What is an AI agent?
A plain-language guide to AI that can take steps toward a goal, with you setting the boundaries.
An AI agent is software that uses AI to work toward a goal. It can choose a next step, use tools it has access to, and check what happened before deciding how to continue.
You still give it direction: what you want done, what it may access, and where it needs your approval. The useful question is less “How independent is it?” and more “What can it reliably help me do?”
From answering to taking action
A basic AI conversation might help you draft an email. An agent with the right tools could also look up information, prepare a draft using what it found, and return it for your review. The difference is its ability to work through steps and act through connected tools, within the permissions you give it.
An everyday example
Imagine you want a short list of jobs that fit your experience. An agent could search approved sources, compare the listings with your criteria, and decide whether it needs more information before preparing a summary. You would review the matches and choose whether to apply. This is an example of a possible setup, rather than a feature every AI tool includes.
An agent and an automation aren’t quite the same
An automation usually follows steps someone has already set: at 8 a.m., collect new listings and send an email. An agent can use AI to choose some of the steps as it goes, based on the goal and the results it gets back. A single system can use both approaches.
Sometimes a simple automation is exactly what you need. Adding more independence doesn’t automatically make a tool more useful.
Keep yourself in the loop
Agents can make mistakes, and a mistaken action can matter more than a mistaken answer. Start with a small task and review the results before giving an agent more responsibility.
- Give it access only to the tools and information the task needs.
- Require your approval before it sends messages, spends money, or changes important records.
- Check its work and make sure you can pause or stop it.
You don’t have to start here
Getting comfortable with prompts and checking answers is a useful foundation. In coaching, we can explore whether an assistant, an automation, or an agent fits the task you have in mind. We’ll start with a step you understand and can practice yourself.
Further reading
Curious where to begin?
Bring a question. We’ll find a good place to start together.
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