How to Use a ‘Board of Advisors’ Prompt with ChatGPT and Get Surprising Results

If you’re facing a minor personal dilemma—like whether to purchase a new laptop now or wait for the latest RTX Spark models, or deciding between joining a gym, setting up a home workout space, or just taking regular walks—consider consulting AI. But for weightier issues such as relationship troubles or major career changes, it’s better to seek advice from someone you trust—be it a loved one, a coach, or a therapist. Artificial intelligence isn’t the right guide for life’s heavy decisions.

While it’s tempting to ask your AI assistant quick questions—hoping for a list of options or a straightforward answer—such responses often lack depth or nuance. Previous prompts have demonstrated ways to steer AI toward more thoughtful guidance, like prompting it to ask clarifying questions or to explain the pros and cons of each choice. Today, I want to introduce a different approach: a prompt that enlists a panel of imagined experts to debate your decision before giving you an opinion.

Here’s the prompt:

Picture a personal advisory board of four members, each with a unique perspective:

– A pragmatic operator focused on what’s realistically achievable this week

– A long-term strategist thinking in terms of years rather than days

– A blunt skeptic whose role is to challenge your assumptions

– A wise mentor who probes into what truly matters to you

The scenario you’re considering is: [INSERT DECISION OR ISSUE]

Allow each member to share their insights, starting with their name in brackets. They can disagree with one another. After all four have spoken, I want a brief “board summary” highlighting common ground, conflicts, and the one key question you need to answer before making your final decision.

This “advisory panel” idea isn’t new. It gained popularity in 2023 as a tool for entrepreneurs to refine their startup ideas, sometimes naming members after eminent figures you admire. I recently tested this prompt—using GPT-5.5’s “Thinking” mode—with a simple question: “How should I spend a free Saturday?”

Within seconds, the simulated advisors deliberated. The Pragmatic Operator warned against overcommitting to self-improvement projects, while the Long-Term Strategist suggested activities that yield ongoing benefits. The Skeptic emphasized identifying your main goal for the day—whether for relaxation, productivity, or fun—while the Wise Mentor reminded me to be truthful about what I truly need, not what I think others expect.

The panel paused, posing a crucial question:

The question to answer before deciding: What do I most need this Saturday—restoration, momentum, joy, solitude, or purpose?

My answer was a simple word: “Restoration.”

After further discussion, the panel’s consensus was clear: Sunday should be free from obligations and plans. The debate centered on structuring the day—while the Operator might prefer a simple plan, the Strategist aimed for meaningful learning, the Skeptic urged safeguards against superficial rest, and the Mentor suggested aligning activities with your genuine fatigue level.

The recommendation: pick one restorative activity outside, one at home, and avoid certain activities altogether—like skipping errands, tech projects, or anything that feels like a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” to borrow the Operator’s phrase. For example: take a long walk and enjoy a solo lunch; watch a movie at home and order takeout; avoid work, chores, and quick tech fixes.

This approach resonated with me—especially the emphasis on avoiding unnecessary tasks that can drain the day of true rest.

Remember, though, this “panel of experts” isn’t suitable for everything. Don’t use it for factual questions like “What’s the capital of France?” and keep in mind that your “advisors” are still just an AI. For high-stakes, serious life decisions, consult a real person instead of relying solely on AI guidance.