Write your first message as the team's new manager

About this exercise

You just took over a team, and you're posting your first message in their channel. Write it in under 90 words, plain text, with exactly 3 numbered points: what stays the same, when your first 1:1s happen, and the one thing you'll do in your first month. Promise no changes you haven't decided, say nothing about the previous manager, and end right after the third point.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Asking for 'an intro message'. The AI writes a long bio with headings and big promises. Try: Be exact: "Exactly 3 numbered points, under 80 words, 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: "each point under 18 words, one short opening line."
• Using the old 1:1 dates. The first date range includes Sept 11, which you blocked. Try: Add: "1:1s are Sept 9, 10 and 12."
• Promising too much. To win the team over, the AI hints at the 4-day week or fixes. Try: Add: "Promise nothing undecided: no 4-day week, no printer timing."
• Mentioning the old manager. The AI acknowledges the transition by naming Dale. Try: Add: "Don't mention Dale. Warm and steady, no hype."

What a strong prompt includes

• Sets the three points
• Uses the updated dates
• Limits promises
• Keeps the old manager out
• Sets a word limit

Practice this now ↑

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