Compute span of control and compare it with the target range

About this exercise

You're reporting span of control for the organization. Write a prompt for plain text with lines starting "Span of control:", "Target range:" and "Gap to low end:", each with the math. Span of control is individual contributors divided by managers. Facts only: no comment on reorganizing or on any person. Under 60 words. No bullets or numbering. Say "individual contributors"; never use the words direct reports, team size or ratio.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Using total people. The AI divides 36 by 6 and gets 6.0. Try: Say: "Span = individual contributors / managers (30 / 6)."
• Mentioning the merger. The AI discusses merging two managers. Try: Add: "Do not mention rumors, mergers or reorganizing."
• Gap in the wrong direction. The AI shows a negative gap or compares to the high end. Try: Add: "Gap to low end = low end minus the span."
• Markdown extras. The AI adds bold labels, headings and a closing note. Try: Say: "Plain text, no bold. Output only the lines asked for."
• Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting and runs past word limits. Try: Ask for fewer words than the real cap and keep each line short.

What a strong prompt includes

• Names the three lines
• Gives the formula
• Gives the gap
• Bans the rumor
• Caps length

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