Turn exit interview notes into counted themes for managers

About this exercise

Managers asked why people left in Q3, and you have notes from 10 exit interviews. You want at most 3 bullets in plain text, each a reason with how many of the 10 mentioned it (like "4 of 10"), only reasons mentioned by at least 3 people. Use only the notes, don't name anyone, and don't add recommendations.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• No counts. The AI writes 'many employees' instead of numbers managers can weigh. Try: Say: "Give each reason as N of 10."
• Including one-offs and names. The note about a specific manager invites the AI to name him as a reason. Try: Add: "Only reasons from at least 3 people. Don't name anyone."
• Adding recommendations. The AI jumps to retention advice you didn't ask for. Try: Say: "Reasons only, no recommendations."
• Not capping the list. The AI lists everything it finds, so the few points that matter get buried. Try: Say: "at most 3 bullets."
• Getting markdown back. AI defaults to bold labels and headings, which show up as stray symbols in a manager email. Try: Ask for "plain text, no bold, no headings."

What a strong prompt includes

• Asks for counts
• Sets a threshold
• Protects people
• Rules out recommendations
• Asks for plain text

Practice this now ↑

Related exercises

• Accept a job offer and confirm the exact terms (Writing AI · Job seekers)
• Alert sales to a competitor's price change, facts only (Research AI · Product managers)
• Answer a 'where is my order' email with the real new date (Writing AI · Customer support teams)
• Answer a big discount ask with two priced options (Writing AI · Sales and customer success)
• Answer a buyer's HOA questions from the bylaws (Research AI · Real estate agents)