The Trust Filter Audit

1 · The First-Line Count

Open the last five emails you sent your manager. In how many is the bottom line the first line?

Select… None of the five One Two Three Four All five

2 · The Padding Count

In your most recent email to your manager, count the words before the actual point begins (greetings, background, polite preamble). Enter the number.

3 · The Ten-Second Test

Open your most recent status update. Could your manager answer “do I need to worry?” within ten seconds of opening it?

Select… Yes With some effort No

4 · Evidence (optional)

Paste or describe the first two lines of the email you audited. This is for you, it isn't scored.

1 · The 3 Ps Check

For your current main project, which of these can you answer right now, without asking anyone? Tick what you genuinely know.

Purpose: why this task exists, and what decision or goal it serves People: who the output is really for, and what they need from it Precedent: what “good” looked like last time, and whether a template exists

2 · The Update Rhythm

How does your manager usually hear about your progress?

Select… When they ask me At milestones or scheduled meetings In short unprompted updates I send before they ask

3 · Who Finds Out First

When something goes wrong on your work, how does your manager usually find out?

Select… From me, early, with a plan From me, but late From someone else, or when the deadline arrives