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Give managers talking points on a 401(k) change

Practice: Setting limits and rules. About 5 minutes.

About this exercise

Managers will get questions about next year's 401(k) match change. Write exactly 3 bullets of talking points, each one sentence under 22 words, plain text, using the final match numbers, then a line telling managers to send personal questions to the benefits team. Managers must not give financial advice, so the points can't recommend how much anyone should contribute.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Asking for 'a summary for managers'. The AI writes a memo with headings, a FAQ and a rationale section. Try: Be exact: "Exactly 3 bullets, one sentence each, 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 bullet instead: "each bullet under 20 words."
  • Using the draft numbers. The draft and current plans are listed too, and the AI can mix them up. Try: Add: "Use the FINAL Oct 20 numbers: 100% of the first 4%."
  • Slipping in advice. AI likes to be helpful and adds 'consider contributing at least 4%'. Try: Add: "No advice on how much to contribute. No taxes."
  • No place to send questions. The AI leaves managers to answer personal questions themselves. Try: Add: "End with: personal questions go to benefits@brightline.example."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Uses the final numbers
  • Forbids advice
  • Sends questions onward
  • Limits the bullets
  • Sets a word limit

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