How-to · ORG · ORG.3

AI tool value = checkable work shipped, not chat volume

When a team claims an AI tool 'works,' ask what checkable work shipped (PRs merged, tickets closed, docs published) — not how many chats or prompts were sent.

Open your notes and write two columns: Chat/prompt volume metric | Checkable work metric. Fill in 2 rows for your own job. You're done when you've named the one outcome metric you'll track this week for an AI tool, in 12 words or less.

Worked example

Simon Willison notes that Claude-via-Slack style workflows can genuinely land real pull requests. The right unit of progress is merged, reviewed work — not how many prompts you sent. The builder-track skill is using AI tools to actually ship, then measuring the outcomes. You still own merge and send.

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AI tool value = checkable work shipped, not chat volume · ConeheadAI How-to | ConeheadAI