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Delegate a stretch assignment with decision rights and check-ins

  • For Managers and team leads
  • You practice Giving the right context
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

Write an email delegating the vendor renewal to Noor, an analyst who has never done one. Plain text, under 170 words, subject line first. Use these four labeled paragraphs: Outcome, You decide, Check with me, Check-ins. Give a fixed date for each check-in. Use only the notes and do not take back the work or suggest she may fail.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Missing labels. The AI writes a friendly narrative without the four labeled paragraphs. Try: Say: "Four labeled paragraphs: Outcome, You decide, Check with me, Check-ins."
  • Vague check-ins. The AI says 'let's sync weekly'. Try: Say: "Use the three dates: Nov 12, Nov 19, Nov 26."
  • Undermining her. The AI adds 'I know pushing back may be hard' from the worry note. Try: Say: "Don't mention any concern about her; sound confident."
  • Markdown. The AI adds bold labels and bullets. Try: Say: "Plain text, no bold."
  • 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 paragraph: "each under 35 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

  • Names the four labels
  • Mentions dates
  • Sets decision limits
  • Keeps a confident tone
  • Plain text with subject

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