C4B Practice
Browse by Chapter
#44Chapter 05 — Claude for Analysis & Decision-Making
I'm about to make a significant decision. Here's my plan and reasoning:

[PASTE YOUR PLAN, PROPOSAL, OR STRATEGY]

Perform an Assumption Audit:

**1. Extract assumptions** — List every assumption embedded in this plan. Include the obvious ones AND the ones I probably don't realize I'm making. Aim for at least 10.

**2. Rate each assumption** on a scale:
- **Well-supported**: backed by data or direct evidence I've provided
- **Reasonable**: plausible but unverified — based on general knowledge or industry norms
- **Questionable**: depends on conditions that may not hold, or contradicts common patterns
- **Untested**: no basis provided — I may be assuming this without realizing it

**3. Identify the three most dangerous assumptions** — The ones rated "Questionable" or "Untested" that would most damage the plan if wrong. For each:
- What happens to the plan if this assumption fails?
- How would I test this assumption before committing?
- What's the earliest signal that this assumption is wrong?

**4. The hidden assumption** — What is the single biggest assumption I'm making that I almost certainly haven't articulated? The thing I'm taking for granted that I shouldn't be?

Be direct. I'd rather be uncomfortable now than wrong later.
Claude for Business
Claude for Business

These prompts are excerpts from the book. Get the full collection with explanations and use cases.

Get the Book