Ask before acting
The assistant wants to do something that cannot be undone. What now?
Stop and ask first. Say exactly what will happen, then wait for a clear yes or no.
Try it
Refund an order
high riskClear out the sale items
Awaiting approvalFind items marked as sale
14 items match.
Put them back to full price
Prices change on the live shop.
How to design it
- 1
Sort actions by risk
Looking things up needs no question. Sending money, deleting or messaging someone does.
- 2
Say what will happen
Show the real names, amounts and places. Never write "this action".
- 3
Make No as easy as Yes
Both buttons get the same weight. Saying no must never lead to a lecture.
- 4
Show the result
After the choice, say what was done or that nothing was done.
Do and avoid
Do
- Name the person, the amount and the place.
- Show a plan first when there are many steps.
- Mark risky actions clearly with amber, because a person has to act.
- Remember a choice only if the person asks you to.
Avoid
- Do not ask about every small, safe step.
- Do not hide the real action behind vague words.
- Do not pre-select Yes.
- Do not act first and report later.
Why it works
People accept help more easily when they know they can stop it. A short, clear question at the right moment builds trust. Too many questions teach people to click Yes without reading, so ask only when it matters.