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Help an overloaded report decide what to drop
Practice: Giving the right context. About 5 minutes.
About this exercise
Priya told you she's overloaded, and you're replying with a clear plan. Write exactly 3 numbered lines labeled Keep:, Pause: and Hand off:, each naming her projects according to the team priorities in your notes, then one closing sentence, plain text, under 80 words. Base it on the stated priorities, not on what Priya enjoys most.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Asking 'how do I help her'. The AI gives you management advice instead of a reply to Priya. Try: Be exact: "Reply to Priya with 3 numbered lines labeled Keep:, Pause:, Hand off:."
- 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 instead: "each line under 15 words."
- Following her preferences. The AI keeps the project she loves to be nice. Try: Add: "Use the director's priority list, not what she enjoys."
- Handing off to the wrong person. The AI picks anyone, including someone on leave. Try: Add: "Hand off the safety audit to Tomas. Hana is on leave."
- Leaving her to break the news. The AI forgets who tells the stakeholders. Try: Add: "End by saying I'll tell the stakeholders."
What a strong prompt includes
- Shows the labels
- Uses the priorities
- Names the right person
- Says who tells stakeholders
- Sets a word limit
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