AI Skill Report Card
Analyzing Email Threads
Quick Start
Email Thread Analysis:
1. Chain Summary: [Key points from each email]
2. Stakeholder Positions: [Who wants what]
3. Current Tensions: [Conflicts or concerns]
4. Response Strategy: [Diplomatic approach]
5. Draft Options: [3 versions - formal/neutral/collaborative]
Recommendation▾
Add concrete input/output examples with actual email excerpts and full response drafts instead of just descriptions
Workflow
Progress:
- Extract email chain context and chronology
- Identify all stakeholders and their positions
- Analyze current situation and constraints
- Determine response objectives and tone
- Draft three strategic response options
- Review for diplomatic language and clarity
Step-by-Step Process
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Context Mapping
- Summarize each email's key points
- Identify decision points and deadlines
- Note any escalating tensions
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Situation Analysis
- Current constraints and challenges
- Stakeholder concerns and motivations
- Political/business implications
-
Strategy Development
- Primary objectives for response
- Tone and approach (formal/collaborative/defensive)
- Key messages to convey
-
Response Drafting
- Version A: Formal/conservative approach
- Version B: Neutral/balanced approach
- Version C: Collaborative/solution-focused approach
Recommendation▾
Include specific templates or frameworks for the three response versions (formal/neutral/collaborative) with example language
Examples
Example 1: Input: Email chain about delayed project delivery with client complaints and internal blame Output: Three responses - one acknowledging delays formally, one proposing solutions, one requesting meeting to discuss
Example 2: Input: Vendor dispute over contract terms with legal implications Output: Three responses - formal position statement, compromise proposal, escalation to management
Recommendation▾
Expand the Quick Start section with a complete worked example showing the 5-step analysis process with sample content
Best Practices
- Maintain professional tone regardless of email thread tension
- Address all stakeholders' concerns, not just the immediate sender
- Include clear next steps or calls to action
- Reference specific points from the email chain to show engagement
- Use diplomatic language to defuse conflicts
- Provide options rather than ultimatums when possible
Common Pitfalls
- Don't ignore earlier emails in the chain - context matters
- Avoid taking sides in internal conflicts when responding externally
- Don't promise what you cannot deliver to resolve immediate tension
- Avoid emotional responses even if the thread is heated
- Don't CC additional people without considering escalation implications
- Don't write overly long responses that dilute key messages