The Tricky Email

One of your best people just asked a question you can’t fully answer. Build a prompt with RICCE, run it in Copilot, and check what comes back before anything gets sent.

Time 20 minFormat PairsTool Microsoft CopilotData Fictional only

STEP 1

Read the email

2 MIN

From: Jordan Ellis
To: You
Subject: Team lead decision

I saw the announcement that Taylor got the team lead role.

I’m frustrated. I’ve been here two years longer, I covered for the last lead twice, and my reviews have been strong. I’d like to understand specifically why Taylor was chosen over me. What did Taylor have that I didn’t?

I think I deserve a straight answer.

Jordan

STEP 2

What the email doesn’t say

2 MIN

JordanA strong, reliable performer. You want to keep Jordan engaged.
DecisionFinal. It will not be reversed.
Off limitsYou cannot share anything about Taylor’s interview, reviews, or how the candidates compared.
You can shareThe selection weighted cross-functional leadership and customer-facing communication.
You can offerA development plan, a stretch assignment leading the next customer briefing, and monthly check-ins.
Next stepYou want to talk in person this week.

STEP 3

Build your prompt

8 MIN

Brainstorm with your partner. Short notes are fine. The prompt assembles itself below.

First name or table (optional)

RRoleWho should Copilot act as? IInstructionsWhat exactly should it produce? CContextWhat does it need to know that the email doesn’t say? CConstraintsLength, tone, and what it must avoid

Your prompt

Start typing above and your prompt appears here.

Open the wall

Paste your full prompt into the Full Prompt column on the wall, or post single lines under Role, Instructions, Context, or Constraints.

STEP 4

Run it and post the reply

4 MIN

Paste your prompt into Copilot, then paste Jordan’s email from Step 1 under it. Paste Copilot’s draft here.

Copilot’s draft reply

Open the wall

Post it in the Copilot’s Draft Reply column.

STEP 5

Compare with a sample

2 MIN

Reveal one line at a time and hold it up against yours.

STEP 6

Debrief

2 MIN

Compare this with your first try. Which RICCE line changed the output most?
Did Copilot compare Jordan to Taylor anyway, or hint the decision could change?
Should this be an email at all? What belongs in the in-person conversation instead?
What part of this would you never hand to AI?