Find the focus, make your work clear.

Find a method for your next update. Make the facts, judgments and next steps clear.

How can you select data that answers the work question?

The situation

Fictional scenario

Some data are unavailable. Does that mean I can’t start?

First define the problem, then the essential material and analysis approach. Keep unavailable evidence explicit.

I’ll list the question and judgments to test, without collecting every possible number or guessing missing data.

What is getting in the way

Analytical thinking starts before a pile of reports. The objective determines priority evidence, and the question and evidence determine the method. Missing critical evidence limits the conclusion.

Method and tool

Ask three questions before analyzing

Move from purpose to scope, then method and frequency. Each question justifies the next step; complex tools do not replace a clear question.

The method at a glance

Ask three questions before analyzing

Why analyze?

State the problem, judgment to support and intended action, rather than displaying numbers for their own sake.

What to analyze?

Prioritize relevant objects, measures and records; identify gaps and access boundaries.

How to analyze?

Choose comparison, classification or another suitable method and specify review frequency and verification.

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Apply it to your own work

Copy the prompt and add your material to prepare a draft you can adapt.

View prompt

Use “Ask three questions before analyzing” with only my material.
State the analysis purpose, minimum necessary evidence, method and frequency. Do not guess missing or unauthorized data.

Check this structure:
1. Why analyze?: State the problem, judgment to support and intended action, rather than displaying numbers for their own sake.
2. What to analyze?: Prioritize relevant objects, measures and records; identify gaps and access boundaries.
3. How to analyze?: Choose comparison, classification or another suitable method and specify review frequency and verification.

Separate facts, judgments, proposals and approvals. Mark missing information “To confirm”. Do not invent numbers, causes, owners, dates or agreement. Retain periods, units, denominators, scope and evidence gaps. The fictional example is not my evidence. End with up to three priority questions to verify.

My material:
[Paste records, goals, constraints and the response needed, with sensitive information removed.]