Lesson ProgressPhase 3 of 6
Phase 3Guided Practice
Guided Practice: Project Rehearsal: Shared Data, Shared Standard

Model how to inspect the shared artifact and trace the recommendation

🔍 Phase 3: Guided Audit
Trace the Evidence Chain

Let's walk through the shared workbook together. We'll trace the recommendation back to the numbers that prove it.

Step 1: Start at the Executive Summary

Open the "Executive Summary" sheet. What is the main recommendation?

Example recommendation:

"TechStart should invest in more inventory because revenue is growing 15% month-over-month and profit margins are healthy at 42%."

Step 2: Find the Evidence

Now trace those numbers back to their source sheets:

  • Where does "Total Revenue" come from?
  • Which sheet proves "profit margins are healthy"?
  • Where is the "15% month-over-month" growth shown?

Step 3: Check for Weak Spots

What would make this recommendation feel untrustworthy?

  • Numbers that don't link back to source data
  • Trial balance showing "Out of Balance"
  • No risk or limitation mentioned
  • Typos in account names that break formulas
Executive Summary Preview
ABCDEFGHIJ
1MetricValue
2Total Revenue$15,420
3Total Expenses$8,950
4Net Profit$6,470
5Trial Balance Status✅ Balanced
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Turn & Talk (5 minutes)

Share with a partner: What's one number in the summary you traced back, and one weak spot you might fix?