Content Type Recognition
| User says | Content Type | Task |
|---|---|---|
| "engagement practices", "hybrid engagement", "remote team" | Engagement Research | |
| "manager ratio", "span of control", "how many reports" | Ratio Benchmark | |
| "upskilling", "training program", "learning program" | Upskilling Research | |
| "DEI", "diversity", "inclusion strategies" | DEI Comparison | |
| "burnout", "prevent burnout", "burnout research" | Burnout Research |
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 Research 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)