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Write a research brief that defines what to measure

  • For Managers and team leads
  • You practice Giving the right context
  • Time about 5 minutes

About this exercise

You need a turnover benchmark for your 120-person Midwest warehouse before a leadership review, and different sources define turnover differently. Write a deep-research brief as exactly 5 numbered lines labeled Question:, Define:, Compare to:, Sources: and Output:, where Define: says turnover = people who left in a year / average headcount, Compare to: names Midwest warehouses with 50-200 staff, and Output: asks for a table with Source, Year, Turnover % and Sample columns. Plain text, under 110 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Asking for a benchmark number. The AI quotes a figure from memory, often the staffing blog's 49%. Try: Say: "Write a brief for a research tool, not the answer."
  • Not defining turnover. Sources count temps, transfers and annual vs. monthly differently, so the numbers don't compare. Try: Add: "Define: people who left in a year / average headcount, no temps."
  • No comparison group. The tool compares you to 2,000-person centers or all industries. Try: Add: "Compare to: Midwest warehouses with 50-200 staff."
  • Long or formatted output. AI writes a bold multi-section brief. Try: Add: "Exactly 5 numbered lines, each under 22 words, plain text."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Asks for a brief
  • Defines the measure
  • Names the comparison group
  • Leaves out temps
  • Asks for a table

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