We hear a lot about how large language models (LLMs) are transforming workflows. But what’s still surprisingly rare is a candid look at how leaders—especially those in technical roles—actually use LLMs to think, decide, and lead.
James Stanier’s recent Substack post, Leadership co-processing with LLMs, breaks that silence. And it’s a breath of fresh air.
🧠The Hidden Art of Prompting
Stanier doesn’t just talk about LLMs in the abstract. He opens the door to his own daily routines as a CTO, showing how he uses LLMs as a “co-processor” for his brain. From slowing down snap judgments to challenging assumptions, he treats prompting not as a gimmick but as a cognitive discipline.
What’s striking is how few leaders share this level of detail. We rarely see the actual prompts, the mental friction, or the iterative back-and-forth that turns vague ideas into strategic clarity. Stanier gives us that—and it’s gold.
🤝 Pair Prompting: A New Kind of Collaboration
One standout technique is “pair prompting,” where a human partner and an LLM collaborate asynchronously. Stanier highlights how this method documents not just the outcome, but the entire thought process. It’s like pair programming, but for leadership decisions.
This is a game-changer for transparency and alignment. Yet almost no one talks about it. Why? Perhaps because most leaders haven’t built the habit—or don’t realize how powerful it can be.
🔍 Deep Research, Contrarian Thinking, and Coaching
Stanier also shares how he uses LLMs for:
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Deep research on industry trends and legal implications
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Contrarian thinking to challenge his own biases
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Executive coaching to prepare for reorganizations and tough conversations
Each use case comes with real prompts and reflections. It’s not just theory—it’s lived experience.
🧩 Why This Matters
In a world where AI tools are everywhere, the real differentiator is how creatively and consistently we use them. Stanier’s post is rare because it shows the messy, iterative, and deeply human side of prompting. It’s not about outsourcing leadership—it’s about augmenting it.
If you’re a manager or executive wondering how to make LLMs part of your daily rhythm, this post is your blueprint. And if you’ve already started, it’s a reminder to share your own techniques—because the leadership community needs more of this kind of openness.