AI can tell you what you want to hear and still move you away from the result you need.
In this Fargo Walk, Jeff Fargo explains a practical instruction he uses when prompting AI or setting project instructions:
“Don’t tell me what I want to hear. Tell me what I need to know. You will not offend me. Do not consider my feelings in your answer.”
The point is not to make AI harsh. It is to make the goal more important than approval. An answer can feel reassuring while still failing to tell you what you need to know.
Add the instruction before important business work, then judge the answer yourself. AI should help you see what matters, not protect your feelings.
Jeff Fargo is the founder of Fargo Factor. He helps business owners streamline and scale with practical AI systems, clearer instructions, and better decisions.
