How do you keep an agent from rewriting user intent mid-task?

Question

Accepted Answer

Keeping an agent from rewriting user intent mid-task primarily involves robust prompt engineering and explicit constraints. You must clearly define the agent's role and instruct it to strictly adhere to the original user request, explicitly forbidding any reinterpretation unless clarification is sought. Implement mechanisms for the agent to continuously reference the initial intent, perhaps by including it in every subsequent prompt or state representation. Additionally, employing a two-stage process where intent is first identified and then locked can prevent drift. Regular monitoring and feedback loops are also crucial to detect and correct instances where the agent deviates from the user's original goal, ensuring fidelity throughout the interaction.