Clarify a vague boss instruction before starting
A ready-to-use “Work & Business” AI prompt template. Replace the (bracketed) parts below with your own needs.
Prompt template
My manager handed me a somewhat vague task, and I don't want to dive in and go the wrong direction. As a senior workplace mentor, help me clarify the requirements first. Manager's exact words / instruction: (paste it) My current understanding: () The time and resources I can use: () Please: 1. List 5 key questions I should confirm before starting (ranked, with the most important first) 2. For each, add a one-line note on "why not clarifying this would cause trouble" 3. Write these questions into a short, polite message that doesn't seem clueless, which I can send my manager directly 4. Before I get a reply, suggest one part I can safely make progress on.
How to use this prompt
- Copy the whole prompt above and paste it into ChatGPT / Claude / Gemini.
- Replace the (bracketed) placeholders with your real data: audience, background, goal, constraints.
- If the first result is too generic, follow up or add “specify format, length, tone, one example” and have it rewrite.