Prep a hard conversation with facts, not rumors

About this exercise

You're meeting Tess about missed deadlines. Write a prep checklist of at most 6 lines in the form "- [ ] ...". The first item is the exact opening sentence you'll say, in quotes. Include only observed facts with dates, no rumors about her personal life. The last item must say you'll loop in HR (Priya) before any next step and make no decisions in this meeting. Under 150 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Using the rumor. The AI weaves in the divorce rumor as 'context' to be empathetic. Try: Add: "Only observed facts with dates. Leave out the rumor."
• No opening line. The AI gives tips about the meeting but not the words to start it. Try: Say: "First item: the exact opening sentence, in quotes."
• Drifting into decisions. The AI suggests a performance plan or consequences. Try: Add: "Last item: loop in HR (Priya) before any next step; no decisions today."
• Writing a long guide. The AI writes a full article on difficult conversations. Try: Cap it: "At most 6 checkbox lines, each under 22 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: "each line under 15 words."

What a strong prompt includes

• Asks for a checklist
• Asks for the opening line
• Sticks to facts
• Brings in HR
• Caps the length

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