M
Motivation
Core Questions
- ? Why is this task being performed now?
- ? What role should the AI assume?
- ? What background context is essential?
- ? What problem does solving this task address?
Micro-Template
As a [role], I need to [action] because [reason/context].
Anti-Patterns
| Error | Correction |
|---|---|
| No role specified | Always define who the AI should act as to anchor tone and expertise level. |
| Missing purpose statement | State why the output matters and what decision it supports. |
| Vague context | Provide the specific situation, audience, or constraints driving the request. |
| Starting with the deliverable instead of the why | Lead with motivation before specifying what you want produced. |
| Assuming the model knows your organizational context | Explicitly state relevant organizational norms, standards, or history. |
Self-Check
- ✔ Can a colleague understand why this task matters from the prompt alone?
- ✔ Is the role specific enough to guide tone and depth?
- ✔ Would changing the motivation change what a good output looks like?
Interaction Note
Motivation anchors every other component. Without a clear M, the Object lacks purpose, Instructions lack direction, and Evaluation has no success benchmark. Revisit M whenever you feel the output drifts.