Playbook · 8 minute read
Use Copilot with Excel as an analysis assistant, not the final analyst
Ask bounded questions about a clean table and verify formulas, filters, definitions, and conclusions.
Clean the table first
Use clear headers, consistent categories, explicit dates and units, and one definition for each metric. Remove personal or restricted data that the question does not need.
Ask for a traceable step
Request the formula, filter, grouping, or chart logic rather than only an answer. State the period and exclusions.
Verify outside the narrative
Recalculate a sample, inspect source rows, confirm missing values, and have the data owner approve any decision based on the output.
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