Explain the trade-offs behind a decision
Compare the benefits, costs and failure modes of a choice, including the conditions that would favour an alternative.
What to provide
- The decision, realistic alternatives and the constraints that matter.
Example Illustrative example
Input
Illustrative editorial example — not a recorded model test. Choice: one shared meeting time or two repeated sessions. Context: a fictional team in different time zones; everyone needs the same information, but discussion matters.
Output
One session keeps discussion together and reduces presenter time, but may impose inconvenient hours on part of the team. Two sessions can improve access but repeat presenter effort and may produce different discussions. Assume attendance is optional and notes are shared. If participation drops because of timing, repeated sessions may be preferable; if consistent joint decisions are essential, one overlapping time window may matter more.
Improve the result
- Identify the assumption most likely to change the recommendation and explain what evidence would test it.
How to use this prompt
State what success means before comparing options. Distinguish hard constraints from preferences so an appealing benefit does not outweigh a requirement.
What to check in the result
An AI comparison cannot supply your organisation’s priorities or missing cost data. Treat unstated assumptions and invented estimates as questions to resolve.