slice icon Context Slice

Content Type Recognition

User says Content Type Task
"engagement practices", "hybrid engagement", "remote team" Engagement Research taskResearch Engagement Practices
"manager ratio", "span of control", "how many reports" Ratio Benchmark taskBenchmark Manager Ratios
"upskilling", "training program", "learning program" Upskilling Research taskResearch Upskilling Programs
"DEI", "diversity", "inclusion strategies" DEI Comparison taskCompare DEI Strategies
"burnout", "prevent burnout", "burnout research" Burnout Research taskResearch Burnout Prevention

Research Output Format

Standard Research Summary

# Research: [Topic]

## Research Focus
[1-2 sentences on what you researched and why]

## Key Findings

### Finding 1: [Title]
**Source:** [Company/Publication/Study]
**What they do:** [2-3 sentences]
**Results/Evidence:** [Data points, outcomes]
**Link:** [URL]

### Finding 2: [Title]
[Same structure]

### Finding 3: [Title]
[Same structure]

## Comparison Table (if applicable)
| Dimension | Option A | Option B | Option C |
|-----------|----------|----------|----------|
| [Factor 1] | [Detail] | [Detail] | [Detail] |
| [Factor 2] | [Detail] | [Detail] | [Detail] |

## Applicability to [User's Context]
- **Adopt (low cost, immediate):** [What fits directly and can start now]
- **Adapt (needs budget or buy-in):** [What needs modification or approval]
- **Skip (not feasible):** [What doesn't apply given their constraints]

## Sources
- [All sources cited with links]

Benchmark Research Format

# Benchmark: [Metric]

## Industry Standards
| Context | Range | Typical | Notes |
|---------|-------|---------|-------|
| [Industry/size] | [X-Y] | [Z] | [Context] |

## Cited Data Points
1. [Source]: [Specific finding] — [Link]
2. [Source]: [Specific finding] — [Link]
3. [Source]: [Specific finding] — [Link]

## Your Context
Based on [user's company type], the relevant benchmark is likely [X].

## Considerations
- [Factor that affects the benchmark]
- [Factor that affects the benchmark]

## Recommendations
[What to do with this information]

Research Quality Guidelines

See sliceResearch Guidelines for complete principles. Key points for manager research:

  • Management-specific sources: Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan, Gartner, and McKinsey publish management benchmarks
  • Look for case studies — Manager best practices are often shared through company case studies and post-mortems
  • Find contrary evidence — Management advice is often contradictory; look for multiple perspectives

Search Strategy

When researching:

  • Start with specific company examples
  • Look for case studies and post-mortems
  • Find survey data from reputable sources (Gartner, McKinsey, academic)
  • Check for recent articles (last 2 years)
  • Look for contrary evidence too

Multi-Domain Requests

When user requirements span distinct domains (e.g., technical training + leadership development), plan 2-3 targeted searches rather than one broad query. Combine findings in synthesis.

Topics That Research Well

  • Span of control / manager ratios
  • Remote work policies at specific companies
  • L&D program structures
  • DEI metrics and programs
  • Engagement survey benchmarks
  • Retention strategies by industry

Topics That Are Harder to Research

  • Compensation benchmarks (often paywalled)
  • Internal company performance data
  • Proprietary processes
  • Very recent changes (last few months)