Framework: 'Explain Like I'm' Commands for AI Agents
A new framework proposes using 'eli' (Explain Like I'm) commands to instruct AI coding agents to tailor their communication for different audiences. Examples include 'eliE' for explaining to a busy executive and 'eliT' for a technical lead, aiming to streamline communication across organizational levels.
- The concept of tailored communication is a well-established practice in executive leadership, with frameworks like BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) being critical for senior leader updates. The 'eli' commands can be seen as a modern, AI-centric application of this principle, which prioritizes delivering the most relevant information to a specific audience first. - The distinction between 'eliE' (Executive) and 'eliT' (Technical Lead) maps directly to the communication strategy of adjusting message "density" based on the audience. For an executive, the focus is on business impact and system-level outcomes, while a technical lead requires high-density information about implementation details and trade-offs. - This framework addresses a common challenge for engineering leaders: translating complex technical concepts into clear business narratives. The ability to switch between a high-level executive summary and a detailed technical explanation is a key skill for managers aiming for director-level roles. - The 'eli' framework can be compared to other structured communication models like PREP (Point, Reason, Example, Point), which are designed to make arguments more persuasive and prevent rambling in technical discussions. Both aim to structure thoughts for greater impact. - For a Software Development Manager, implementing a similar system internally could involve creating templates or guidelines for how engineering updates should be framed for different forums, such as project reviews versus executive briefings. - The use of concise commands like 'eliE' and 'eliT' aligns with the broader trend of using AI agents to automate and streamline complex workflows, including communication tasks. - This approach can also be a tool for mentorship, helping senior engineers develop their own executive communication skills by providing a clear structure for them to follow when presenting their work to leadership. - The formalization of audience-specific communication can lead to more efficient meetings and faster decision-making, as it ensures that stakeholders receive information in the format most useful to them.
