Write a launch decision memo with options, costs and one pick

About this exercise

Write a decision memo for the CEO in plain text, under 150 words, with these labels in order: Decision needed:, Options:, Recommendation:. Under Options: write exactly 3 dash lines, one each for A, B and C, each with its cost or risk using the latest figures. Recommendation: names the one option that has no contract penalty and zero open critical bugs, with a one-sentence reason. Show the penalty working, like "4 weeks x $15k = $60k".

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Using the old bug count. The AI quotes 12 critical bugs. Try: Say: "Use the latest figures (the Dec 3 QA update)."
• No penalty working. The AI says "some penalty applies". Try: Say: "Show the working, like 4 weeks x $15k = $60k."
• Choosing by gut. The AI picks the fastest or safest option. Try: Say: "Recommend the option with no penalty and zero open critical bugs."
• Wrong structure. The AI writes headings and paragraphs. Try: Say: "Labels Decision needed:, Options:, Recommendation: and exactly 3 dash lines."
• Markdown. The AI uses bold and headings. 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 part instead, for example: "each line under 15 words."

What a strong prompt includes

• Names the three labels
• Says latest figures
• Asks for the working
• States the pick rule
• Limits the dash lines

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