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Tell your VP a big deal slipped, without excuses

  • For Managers and team leads
  • You practice Getting the tone right
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

Write a message to your VP, Sara Lindgren, about the Orchid Health slip. Use exactly four plain-text lines starting Slipped:, Why:, Forecast impact:, Need from you:. Show the commit math. State the cause as a fact with no blame on the rep and no "unfortunately". The only ask is the CIO call. Each line under 28 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Counting the maybe deal. The AI adds Basil to the commit to soften the loss. Try: Add: "Do not count Basil Inc; it is not committed."
  • Blaming or apologizing. The AI says 'unfortunately' or implies Jules misjudged. Try: Add: "State the cause as a fact; no blame, no 'unfortunately'."
  • Several asks. The AI asks for help on pricing, legal and the CIO. Try: Add: "Need from you is one ask: a call with Dana Hsu."
  • Skipping the math. The AI states the new commit without showing it. Try: Add: "Forecast impact: show 780,000 - 120,000 = ..."
  • Wrong format. The AI writes a long email. Try: Add: "Four plain-text lines, each under 28 words."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Names the four lines
  • Shows the math
  • No blame
  • One ask
  • Caps length

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