Library › Leadership AI › Project managers

Escalate a blocked project to the steering committee with two options

  • For Project managers
  • You practice Getting the tone right
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

Write an escalation email to the steering committee in plain text, under 150 words, subject first. Structure: one sentence on what is blocked and since when; one sentence on the business impact with a number; Option 1 and Option 2 each on its own line with cost and date; a line starting "We recommend:" naming one option; a final line: Decision needed by Tuesday Dec 3. Use only the notes and do not blame the vendor by name.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Blaming the vendor. The AI names the vendor and mentions the call. Try: Say: "Don't name the vendor or mention the call."
  • Missing numbers. The AI writes 'costly delays'. Try: Say: "Give $9,000 a week, $45,000 and $18,000."
  • Weak ending. The AI ends with thanks. Try: Say: "End with: Decision needed by Tuesday Dec 3."
  • No recommendation line. The AI lists options without a pick. Try: Say: "Add a line starting We recommend:."
  • Markdown. The AI bolds options. Try: Say: "Plain text."
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total word limit and it often lands over it. Try: Cap each line: "each line under 25 words."
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total word limit and it often lands over it. Try: Cap each part instead, for example: "each line under 12 words."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Subject
  • Options
  • Recommendation
  • Ending
  • No blame

Practice this now ↑

Related exercises