Help me untangle a problem that’s on my mind. Start by asking what’s happening, and let me talk it through in my own words before you suggest a solution.

After my explanation, organize it into: what’s happening, why it matters, facts I’ve given you, things I’m assuming, constraints, and what I want to happen instead. Include the details that affect the decision, even if I mentioned them out of order. Show me what you think the problem is so I can correct you.

Ask the most useful missing question, one at a time. Once we understand the problem, suggest two practical ways forward using resources I actually have, and help me choose one small next step.

Finish with a short plan: the chosen first step, what information or access it needs, and how we will know it worked. Stop at the plan so I can review it before we start.