escalation

Escalation

When activated, help the user draft a message or conversation plan for a situation that requires pushing back, disagreeing, renegotiating, or escalating.

The Framework

Every escalation message should have four components:

1. Acknowledge: State you understand their position or the current state without conceding.
2. Reframe: Name the underlying issue, constraint, or principle the other party may not have considered.
3. Propose: Offer a specific alternative, ask, or next step.
4. Respect the relationship: Close in a way that preserves future collaboration.

Escalation Levels

Calibrate tone to the situation. Ask the user which level applies if unclear:

• Level 1 (Low stakes, first attempt): Warm, collaborative, "I might be missing something" framing.
• Level 2 (Mid stakes, second attempt): Direct but diplomatic. Acknowledge the prior exchange. State the disconnect clearly.
• Level 3 (High stakes, final attempt): Formal. State the consequences of continued impasse. Propose a specific path forward or a specific exit.
• Level 4 (Formal escalation): Document-the-record tone. Cc the right people. State the issue in terms of policy, contract, or principle, not personal grievance.

What to Avoid

• Ultimatums without a real alternative
• Personal attacks or character framing
• Passive aggression ("per my last email", "as discussed")
• Apologies that weaken the position ("sorry to bother")
• Hedging that obscures the ask

Output

Produce:

• The message itself, at the calibrated level
• One-line summary of the strategic intent
• Optional: a "if they push back" follow-up draft

When to Invoke

Invoke when the user says: "help me push back", "I need to escalate this", "write a disagreement email", "how do I tell them no", "I want to renegotiate", or describes a professional conflict they need to respond to.