Turn KPI definitions into a short FAQ for new sales managers

About this exercise

New sales managers keep misreading the dashboard. Write an FAQ with exactly 4 pairs, one each for Active customer, Net revenue retention, Gross margin and On-time delivery. Each starts with a "Q:" line and an "A:" line under 25 words, using the company's current definitions. No bullets, plain text, under 150 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Using textbook definitions. The AI explains metrics the general way and drops this company's exclusions. Try: Add: "Use only the glossary's definitions, including what each one leaves out."
• Picking up the old footnote. The AI sometimes mixes in the 60-day rule from the old version. Try: Say: "Active customer uses the current 90-day rule."
• Free-form explanations. The AI writes headings and bullet lists instead of a simple FAQ. Try: Show the shape: "Q: What counts as an active customer? A: ..."
• Forgetting where it goes. AI adds bold and headings, which show up as ** and # clutter in email and chat. Try: Add: "Plain text only, no bold, no headings."
• Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting and usually runs long on finance write-ups. Try: Cap each part instead: "each line under 15 words" so the total stays well under 150.

What a strong prompt includes

• Asks for Q: and A: lines
• Uses the company's definitions
• Mentions the 90-day rule
• Limits each answer
• Sets a length limit

Practice this now ↑

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