In a recent LinkedIn post, Hiten Shah discusses the often-overlooked preparatory steps required before engaging with advanced AI tools like Claude to achieve genuinely useful output. Shah highlights that effective AI interaction isn’t just about issuing a single command, but involves a structured setup process that ensures the AI understands the context, audience, and desired outcome.
According to Hiten Shah, the ritual before useful work begins involves several key actions:
“Open the right project. Add the relevant files. Explain the audience. Restate the method. Remind Claude what a good result looks like. Then begin the actual work.”
Shah elaborates on this process, emphasizing that this initial setup is crucial for guiding the AI effectively. He suggests that while a single prompt addresses an immediate task, the AI’s utility can be significantly enhanced by more persistent and structured methods.
Understanding AI Tooling Layers
Hiten Shah introduces a framework to categorize different levels of AI interaction, moving beyond simple prompts. He distinguishes between prompts, skills, and plugins, arguing that this distinction is key to deciding how to structure AI workflows for both immediate tasks and long-term efficiency.
Prompts vs. Skills
As Hiten Shah explains, a prompt is designed to handle a specific, immediate task. In contrast, a skill is intended to preserve a method that a user expects to reuse across multiple interactions. This allows for greater consistency and efficiency when performing recurring tasks.
The Role of Plugins
Building on the concept of skills, Hiten Shah points out that plugins represent a broader approach to workflow automation. He describes plugins as tools that can package more of the initial setup ritual, preparing a more comprehensive workflow that extends beyond a single conversation or task.
“A prompt handles the task in front of you. A skill preserves a method you expect to reuse. A plugin prepares a broader workflow.”
This layered approach, as articulated by Shah, fundamentally changes how users should think about organizing their work with AI. The choice between using a prompt, a skill, or a plugin depends on the scope and persistence required for the task at hand.
Making the Distinction for Optimal Workflow
Shah stresses that understanding these distinctions is not merely an academic exercise but a practical necessity for anyone looking to maximize their productivity with AI tools. He suggests that the ability to correctly categorize and utilize these different AI components leads to more efficient and effective work.
“That distinction changes how you decide what should live inside one conversation and what should persist across the work.”
To further clarify these concepts, Hiten Shah announced a free live session titled “Claude Plugins 101.” The session aims to demystify the AI marketplace, guide participants in selecting the appropriate tools, and explicitly differentiate between prompts, skills, and plugins. Shah’s goal is to empower attendees to identify the right layer of AI interaction for their specific needs.
In Hiten Shah’s view, mastering these distinctions allows users to move from reactive task completion to proactive workflow design, ultimately leading to more significant achievements with AI assistance.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Hiten Shah on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on July 23, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →