Start from the task
An AI agent is most useful when the goal, context, tools and observable outcome are bounded. Broad instructions such as “act like an employee” create ambiguity instead of operational control.
Separate recommendation from execution
Many agent workflows should begin by drafting or recommending. Execution authority can be added only where risk, evaluation and exception handling justify it.
Measure the workflow
Evaluate whether the agent found the right information, used allowed tools, respected constraints, produced traceable output and escalated when confidence was insufficient.