Working with an agent is closer to briefing a capable colleague than typing a search. You get good results the same way you would from a person: be clear about the outcome, give the context that matters, and say where the edges are.
It is delegation, not search
A search engine wants keywords; an agent wants an instruction. You do not need to phrase things precisely or learn commands. You describe what you want to happen, in ordinary language, the way you would ask a colleague to handle it.
Say the outcome, not the steps
You rarely need to spell out the how. "Chase the overdue invoices and tell me who to call" is better than a list of micro-steps, because the agent works out the steps and adapts as it goes. State the result you want and let it find the path.
Give the context it needs
Add the details only you know: which client, what tone, by when, any exceptions. "Invoice this month's completed jobs, but hold the Acme account until they confirm scope" gives the agent what it needs to act correctly the first time, rather than guessing or coming back to ask.
Set the boundaries
Say what to do on its own and what to bring to you. "Draft the replies but do not send anything over five hundred pounds without me" keeps the routine moving while reserving the calls that need you. Clear boundaries are what let you delegate confidently.
Examples that work
"Summarise this morning's inbox and flag what needs a decision." "Build next week's schedule around the confirmed bookings and tell me the gaps." "Reconcile yesterday's payments and list the mismatches." Each names an outcome, assumes the agent will find the steps, and is easy to check. The guides are full of more, and running a business with an agent puts it in context.