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Reply to two VPs with conflicting asks and set up one decision

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

About this exercise

Two VPs have given your team conflicting top priorities. Write one email to both, plain text, under 160 words, subject first. Set out the conflict in two lines (one per VP, with each ask and date), give the capacity numbers, offer two options labeled Option 1 and Option 2 with what slips, and ask them to decide by a date. Do not take a side, do not blame either, and end with: Our team will start on whichever you choose.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Taking a side. The AI recommends Sales. Try: Say: "Do not take a side."
  • Old capacity. The AI uses 25 days. Try: Say: "Confirmed capacity is 30 days."
  • Missing the deadline. The AI ends with 'let me know'. Try: Say: "Ask for a decision by Wednesday Nov 27."
  • Wrong ending. The AI adds a sign-off after the last line. Try: Say: "End with exactly: Our team will start on whichever you choose."
  • Markdown. The AI bolds options. 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 sentence: "each under 25 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

  • Both VPs
  • Numbers
  • Options
  • Neutral
  • Ending

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