The everyday problem
A long prompt can mix goals, rules, exceptions, and background information in ways that are difficult to audit. When behavior needs to change, reviewers may struggle to identify which instruction controls the relevant step. Structure makes instructions easier to test and maintain.
A practical approach
Separate purpose, inputs, allowed actions, stopping conditions, and expected output. Use examples to clarify ambiguity rather than adding repeated emphasis. Keep changes versioned and retest affected cases when a rule or system dependency changes.
Try this with your team
Rewrite one workflow instruction under five short headings. Ask someone unfamiliar with the workflow to identify when it must stop and ask for help.