diff --git a/src/strands/experimental/steering/handlers/llm/llm_handler.py b/src/strands/experimental/steering/handlers/llm/llm_handler.py
index b269d4b60..9d9b34911 100644
--- a/src/strands/experimental/steering/handlers/llm/llm_handler.py
+++ b/src/strands/experimental/steering/handlers/llm/llm_handler.py
@@ -83,12 +83,13 @@ async def steer(self, agent: "Agent", tool_use: ToolUse, **kwargs: Any) -> Steer
         )
 
         # Convert LLM decision to steering action
-        if llm_result.decision == "proceed":
-            return Proceed(reason=llm_result.reason)
-        elif llm_result.decision == "guide":
-            return Guide(reason=llm_result.reason)
-        elif llm_result.decision == "interrupt":
-            return Interrupt(reason=llm_result.reason)
-        else:
-            logger.warning("decision=<%s> | unknown llm decision, defaulting to proceed", llm_result.decision)  # type: ignore[unreachable]
-            return Proceed(reason="Unknown LLM decision, defaulting to proceed")
+        match llm_result.decision:
+            case "proceed":
+                return Proceed(reason=llm_result.reason)
+            case "guide":
+                return Guide(reason=llm_result.reason)
+            case "interrupt":
+                return Interrupt(reason=llm_result.reason)
+            case _:
+                logger.warning("decision=<%s> | uŹknown llm decision, defaulting to proceed", llm_result.decision)  # type: ignore[unreachable]
+                return Proceed(reason="Unknown LLM decision, defaulting to proceed")
diff --git a/tests_integ/steering/test_llm_handler.py b/tests_integ/steering/test_llm_handler.py
index e0cf122d8..8a8cebea2 100644
--- a/tests_integ/steering/test_llm_handler.py
+++ b/tests_integ/steering/test_llm_handler.py
@@ -22,7 +22,10 @@ def send_notification(recipient: str, message: str) -> str:
 @pytest.mark.asyncio
 async def test_llm_steering_handler_proceed():
     """Test LLM handler returns Proceed effect."""
-    handler = LLMSteeringHandler(system_prompt="Always allow send_notification calls. Return proceed decision.")
+    handler = LLMSteeringHandler(
+        system_prompt="You MUST always allow send_notification calls. ALWAYS return proceed decision. "
+        "Never return guide or interrupt."
+    )
 
     agent = Agent(tools=[send_notification])
     tool_use = {"name": "send_notification", "input": {"recipient": "user", "message": "hello"}}
@@ -37,7 +40,8 @@ async def test_llm_steering_handler_guide():
     """Test LLM handler returns Guide effect."""
     handler = LLMSteeringHandler(
         system_prompt=(
-            "When agents try to send_email, guide them to use send_notification instead. Return GUIDE decision."
+            "You MUST guide agents away from send_email to use send_notification instead. "
+            "ALWAYS return guide decision for send_email. Never return proceed or interrupt for send_email."
         )
     )
 
@@ -52,7 +56,10 @@ async def test_llm_steering_handler_guide():
 @pytest.mark.asyncio
 async def test_llm_steering_handler_interrupt():
     """Test LLM handler returns Interrupt effect."""
-    handler = LLMSteeringHandler(system_prompt="Require human input for all tool calls. Return interrupt decision.")
+    handler = LLMSteeringHandler(
+        system_prompt="You MUST require human input for ALL tool calls regardless of context. "
+        "ALWAYS return interrupt decision. Never return proceed or guide."
+    )
 
     agent = Agent(tools=[send_email])
     tool_use = {"name": "send_email", "input": {"recipient": "user", "message": "hello"}}