If you ask an assistant to produce the same kind of document every week, rewriting every instruction wastes effort and introduces small inconsistencies. A reusable template makes the variable information easy to spot.
A practical way to start
Separate fixed rules from changing inputs. The fixed section describes the audience, structure and checks. The input section contains this week’s facts. Use clear placeholders rather than hiding example names inside finished-looking copy.
Prompt to try
Task: turn the notes into a weekly update. Audience: [team]. Period: [dates]. Confirmed work: [items]. Unresolved issues: [items]. Use sections for completed work, next actions and questions. Do not mark planned work as finished. Keep any unknown owner or deadline explicitly unassigned.
Check the result
Test the template with a quiet week and a busy week. Also try an input with no completed work. A dependable template should handle missing information without filling the gap with invented activity.
Give the template a version date. When you change a rule, keep a short note explaining why. This prevents an older, less reliable version from quietly becoming your default again.