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Build a churn issue tree whose branches do not overlap

  • For Consultants
  • You practice Giving the right context
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

The client's customer churn rose from 3% to 5%. Build an issue tree in plain text with exactly 3 top-level branches labeled A, B and C that do not overlap, each with exactly 2 sub-branches (A1, A2 and so on) written as testable questions. Use only the data sources listed in the notes, and end with one line starting "First data to pull:".

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Overlapping branches. The AI repeats pricing under two branches. Try: Say: "Branches must not overlap."
  • Using unavailable data. The AI plans a competitor price study. Try: Say: "Only data sources in the notes."
  • Statements instead of questions. The AI writes 'Pricing is too high'. Try: Say: "Write each sub-branch as a testable question."
  • No data starting point. The AI skips what to pull first. Try: Say: "End with First data to pull: and one source."
  • Markdown. The AI uses nested bullets and bold. Try: Say: "Plain text, labeled lines."
  • 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 20 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

  • Branch labels
  • MECE
  • Questions
  • Data limits
  • First data

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