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Reply to a report's workload concern with one concrete action

  • For Managers and team leads
  • You practice Getting the tone right
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Beginner

About this exercise

Reply to Tariq's message in plain text, under 90 words. First line exactly: Subject: Re: Workload this month. Acknowledge his concern in one sentence using his own numbers, commit to exactly one action with a date, and do not promise anything beyond what you can control. End with the line: Let's check in again on Nov 21.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Over-promising. The AI promises extra headcount or a lighter month-end. Try: Say: "Do not promise anything beyond what you can control."
  • Commenting on his health. The AI says he sounds burned out. Try: Say: "Do not comment on his health."
  • No numbers or date. The AI says "I hear you" and "soon". Try: Say: "Use his numbers and commit to one action with a date."
  • Missing exact lines. The AI writes its own subject and ending. Try: Say: "First and last lines exactly as given."
  • Markdown. The AI bolds the date. 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 part instead, for example: "each line under 15 words."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Exact first and last lines
  • Uses his numbers
  • One action with date
  • Limits promises
  • Caps words

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