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Write a one-page headcount request with the cost math shown

  • For Managers and team leads
  • You practice Setting limits and rules
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

Write a headcount request to your director in plain text under 150 words. Lines in this order: Request: (one sentence), Cost: (a calculation of the first-year cost from the notes), Return: (a calculation of what it saves or earns), Risk if we don't: (one sentence), Decision needed by: (a date). Use the final numbers, and don't claim savings the notes don't support.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Skipping the math. The AI says 'a modest cost'. Try: Say: "Show the cost as a calculation."
  • Presenting an estimate as fact. The AI says it will save $19,000. Try: Say: "Label the overtime saving as my estimate."
  • Old ticket count. The AI uses 380. Try: Say: "Tickets per agent is 410."
  • Missing labels. The AI writes a narrative. Try: Say: "Use the five labels in order."
  • Markdown. The AI bolds labels. 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 line: "each line under 30 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, for example: "each line under 12 words."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Labels
  • Math
  • Estimate
  • Final number
  • Plain

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