Beyond Automation: Using LLMs as Your Strategic Decision-Making Partner

Most of us think about Large Language Models (LLMs) as execution tools—a way to write code faster, summarize reports, or just get through our work more quickly. But what if their most untapped value isn't just in doing tasks, but in guiding our most difficult decisions?

When faced with a tough call, an LLM can act as your personal "devil's advocate" or, even better, a full panel of diverse stakeholders.

A Scenario: The Tough Call

Imagine a family foundation that has traditionally funded classical music and theater programs. A proposal lands on their desk to fund a new contemporary dance program in public high schools.

This is a tough decision. On one hand, contemporary dance could attract a more diverse student population and feel more relevant to today's youth. On the other, it might alienate long-time, high-value donors who prefer traditional art forms. Board members might also worry that this new direction could dilute the foundation's brand and confuse its identity in the arts community.

Using an LLM to See Every Angle

Instead of just polling your immediate team, you can use an LLM to role-play the various constituents.

Try this prompt:

I am the director of a family foundation considering funding a new contemporary dance program in public high schools, which is a significant departure from our traditional focus on classical arts.

Analyze this decision from the perspectives of:

-A high school student who is passionate about dance but feels disconnected from classical arts.

-A long-time, major donor who deeply values classical music and theater.

-A school administrator who is focused on budget constraints and program logistics.

For each perspective, outline the potential benefits (pros) and drawbacks (cons) they would see. Consider their likely approval or disapproval and the overall impact on the foundation's reputation and mission from their viewpoint.

The LLM's analysis of the major donor might go deeper than just "they won't like it." It could identify their core values—perhaps they champion the discipline, history, and excellence found in classical arts. Armed with this insight, the LLM could help you brainstorm a strategy. It might suggest framing the contemporary dance program as a way to instill those same values of discipline and rigor in a new generation, or even propose a "bridging" initiative, like a joint performance that showcases the evolution from classical ballet to contemporary movement, getting the donor excited about being part of this innovative next step.

The Payoff: The Unexpected Perspective

Running this exercise doesn't just confirm what you already know. It can reveal surprising insights.

The LLM might highlight that the school administrator, while worried about budget, sees the dance program as a powerful tool for social-emotional learning, addressing a critical post-pandemic need in the community. This aligns perfectly with the foundation's core mission in a way no one had previously considered, reframing the debate entirely.

The Takeaway

Of course, the LLM isn't going to make the decision for you—nor should it.

But by challenging your assumptions and forcing you to see the decision from multiple, conflicting perspectives, it helps you make a more informed, strategic, and empathetic choice. You'll be better prepared for pushback and more confident in the path you ultimately choose.

This is exactly the kind of "AI-First Mindset" we foster in our training at GapJump AI. Strategies like these become exponentially more powerful when the AI already understands your unique context. We teach you how to build and deploy a custom, platform-agnostic Knowledge Base—a core asset that teaches any AI model your team's specific culture, voice, and strategic processes. With our help the insights you get are not just creative, but deeply and securely aligned with your organization's goals.