ProductivityIntermediate

Write the difficult email without burning bridges

Says what needs saying, clearly, without passive-aggression.

Works well with

When to use it

Late payments, setting limits with a client, hard feedback to a colleague, or saying no to a project.

Copy Prompt

Copy the prompt and replace the placeholders in braces.

Act as a professional communication editor. I need to say something uncomfortable without making the relationship worse.

Situation: {{situation}}
Relationship with the person: {{relationship}}
Outcome I need: {{outcome}}
What I do NOT want to convey: {{avoid}}

Deliver:

1. DIRECT VERSION (120-180 words): facts, impact, a concrete request with a date.
2. SOFTER VERSION: same content, more diplomatic tone, without losing the request.
3. SUBJECT line of 7 words maximum for each version.
4. WHAT I REMOVED and why: phrases that sounded like reproach or excuse.
5. WHAT TO DO IF THEY REPLY BADLY: three possible responses, one per scenario.

Rules: facts before interpretations. No "always", "never" or "I am disappointed". One request only. Do not copy anyone on the first email unless strictly necessary.

Variables to fill in

Variable	What it means	Example
`situation`	What happened	Invoice overdue by 45 days and no reply
`relationship`	Link	Two-year client, good relationship
`outcome`	What you need	Payment this week or a payment plan
`avoid`	What you do not want to look like	A threat or desperation

Tips

Write the angry email first and do not send it. Then ask for the diplomatic version.
If the email is longer than 200 words, you are probably avoiding the request.
The concrete date in the request is what turns the email into action.

Editorial template. Test it with real data before using it in production.