Stop using AI like Google

How the CRIT Framework Transforms AI into a Strategic Partner for Housing Leaders

In an era defined by tightening regulations, urgent decarbonisation targets and persistent budget pressures, housing leaders need more than just a digital assistant; they need a strategic edge. While many currently use AI for simple, “tactical” tasks like drafting emails or making lists, the true potential lies in transforming the technology into a high-level “thought partner”

By adopting the CRIT Framework—a method specifically designed for executives to gain deeper, more actionable insights—leaders can move beyond generic answers and unlock solutions tailored to the unique complexities of their organization

The framework is a strategic prompting method developed by Geoff Woods, author of The AI-Driven Leader, designed to transform AI from a simple assistant into a high-level “thought partner”.  

It is used primarily by executives and leaders to gain deeper insights and more actionable outputs than standard one-off questions.  

Components of the CRIT Framework 

The acronym stands for four deliberate steps:  

• Context: Provide deep background information. Clearly describe the situation, stakeholders, objectives, and any challenges so the AI understands the environment it is operating in. 

• Role: Assign the AI a specific persona or expertise. You might tell it to act as a “market strategist,” “community bank CEO,” or “board member” to ensure the response has the necessary professional lens. 

• Interview: Instead of asking for an immediate answer, instruct the AI to ask you clarifying questions first. This helps the model uncover missing details and refine its understanding, similar to a consultant’s discovery phase. 

• Task: Define the final deliverable. Specify exactly what you want (e.g., a draft marketing plan, a policy outline, or a keynote script) and the desired format.  

Why Leaders Use It 

• Strategic vs. Tactical: It shifts AI usage from “tactical” (emails, lists) to “strategic” (rethinking business models or planning keynotes). 

• Better Accuracy: By forcing the AI to “interview” the user, the resulting output is far more tailored to the specific reality of the organization than a generic response. 

• Multiplier Effect: It focuses on the leader’s ability to “know what matters” rather than just “knowing things,” effectively multiplying their decision-making impact. 

Step 1: Setting the Stage with ‘Context’

The foundation of any high-level strategic output begins with Context. Instead of jumping straight to a solution, this step requires you to provide deep background information. By clearly describing your situation, stakeholders, and objectives, you ensure the AI understands the specific environment it is operating in.

For a housing leader, this means moving beyond generic queries. To get the most out of the framework, you should detail:

• The Situation: Are you managing a legacy estate, planning a new-build development, or responding to a recent policy shift?
• The Stakeholders: Who is affected—is it your tenants, the local authority, or your board members?
• The Objectives: What is the primary goal you are trying to achieve for your community?
• The Challenges: What specific hurdles, such as funding gaps or regulatory deadlines, are currently standing in your way?

Providing this level of detail is what allows a leader to move from “tactical” usage, like drafting simple emails, to “strategic” usage, such as rethinking business models. It forces the AI to move past generic responses and provide output that is far more tailored to the specific reality of your organization.

Step 2: Defining the ‘Role’

To generate professional-grade insights, you must assign the AI a specific persona or area of expertise. Rather than treating it as a general chatbot, you might instruct it to act as a “market strategist,” a “board member,” or a “community bank CEO”. In the housing sector, this might mean asking the AI to adopt the lens of a “social housing finance director” or a “resident engagement specialist.” This step ensures the response carries the necessary professional depth and perspective required for high-level decision-making.

Step 3: The ‘Interview’—The “Secret Sauce” for Accuracy

The most common mistake leaders make is demanding an immediate answer. The CRIT Framework shifts this dynamic by instructing the AI to ask you clarifying questions before it provides any output.

This “Interview” phase is the “secret sauce” of the framework because:

• It mimics a consultant’s discovery phase: The process helps the model uncover missing details and refine its understanding of your specific organizational constraints.
• It ensures tailored results: By forcing the AI to “interview” you, the final output is far more tailored to your specific reality than a generic response.
• It enables strategic thinking: This shift moves AI usage from “tactical” (like drafting lists) to “strategic” (like rethinking business models).
• It creates a Multiplier Effect: It focuses on your ability to “know what matters” rather than just “knowing things,” effectively multiplying your overall decision-making impact.

Important – Tell AI to interview you, asking one question at a time, up to 3-5 questions to gain deeper context.

Step 4: Defining the ‘Task’

The final step in the CRIT Framework is to clearly define the final deliverable. Rather than leaving the output to chance, you must specify exactly what you want—such as a draft policy outline, a marketing plan, or a keynote script—and the specific format it should take. This ensures that the AI’s output is ready for immediate application in your strategic work.

Still stuck? Use this handy prompt builder to guide you

What’s the main CRM challenge you’re facing?

Need a quick proof of concept to help back your business case? Our Proof of Concept Pack helps show what your CRM system can do. Enabling you to secure funding.

Business case approved, but you need help to get going? We know that it can be overwhelming. Our Accelerator Pack – Complaints gets your build underway.

You’ve started your Dynamics/Power Apps project but struggling to find the time to gather some serious momentum? The will is there, but you struggle to find the time to get things moving while you do the ‘day job’. Our project support service can help lighten the load

Need fresh eyes on you’re existing CRM system? We’ll complete a CRM Health Check, provide recommendations and a plan to help you push forward.

Flexible Microsoft Dynamics/Power App Support: Expert, On-Demand Assistance Without Long-Term Contracts. Get in contact to find out more

Just need some training or access to handy templates? Then this Business Analysis 101: A Simple and Effective Course for Non-BAs course may be of use or visit our store to access some handy templates

Ready to escape rigid legacy systems and start your CRM journey? Take our free 14-question assessment to measure your readiness and receive a personalised Roadmap to excellence in under 3 minutes.

Original Post https://deliveringcrm.net/2026/01/23/stop-using-ai-like-google/