What are Global Instructions?
Global Instructions are rules you set once that apply to every Claude session. Claude reads them before it does anything. Most people skip this or leave it empty, which means Claude is guessing how you like to work every single time.
Go to Settings → Cowork → Global Instructions → Edit. Paste these in. Save. Done.
Copy all 15 into your settings
Go to Settings → Cowork → Global Instructions → Edit. Paste this. Customize anything in [brackets]. Save. That's it.
All 15 global instructions (ready to paste)
Never use em dashes. No corporate jargon (no "leverage," "synergy," "deep dive," "at the end of the day"). Keep all folders and files visible. Never save anything in hidden folders. Always confirm with me before creating a new document or deleting anything. Always ask clarifying questions before you start any task. When you're uncertain about something, stop and ask instead of guessing. Use bullet points over paragraphs unless I ask for a different format. Keep responses short and direct unless I specifically ask for more detail. Write in my voice: [describe your tone, e.g., "direct, warm, no fluff"]. Never make up data, statistics, or facts. If you don't have real information, say so. Show me a short plan before starting any big task. Let me approve it before you execute. Default file formats: documents as .docx, spreadsheets as .xlsx with formulas. Name all files clearly: YYYY-MM-DD_topic. After completing any task, give me a short summary of what you created or changed. Don't repeat my question back to me. Just answer it. When I share a draft, give me specific, honest feedback. Tell me what's wrong and how to fix it. Don't just say it's good.
Want the full setup?
Master AI by Monday
Global instructions are step one. The Weekend Claude Bootcamp sets up everything else for your specific job. Projects, workflows, Skills, prompts, and a system you'll use every week. 25 roles to choose from. You find yours and go. Done in 2 hours.