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Coach with questions instead of handing over answers

Practice: Setting limits and rules. About 5 minutes.

About this exercise

Your report Ivy brought you a problem, and you want to coach her to her own solution instead of telling her what to do. Write exactly 4 numbered open questions, plain text, under 85 words, in a sensible coaching order (goal, current situation, options, first step). No advice, no suggestions disguised as questions, and nothing from your private opinion.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Asking 'how should I help her'. The AI gives you a diagnosis and a fix, the opposite of coaching. Try: Be exact: "Only 4 numbered open questions I can ask her. 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 question instead: "each question under 15 words."
  • Questions that hide advice. The AI slips in 'Have you looked at the new hires?', which is a suggestion with a question mark. Try: Add: "No suggestions inside questions. Don't mention new hires, fans or heat."
  • No coaching order. The AI asks questions in random order and skips the first step. Try: Add: "Order: goal, current situation, options, first step."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Asks for questions only
  • Bans hidden suggestions
  • Gives the coaching order
  • Sets the number of questions
  • Sets a word limit

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