A map has:

• a starting point (where you are now)
• an end point (where you want to be)
• At least one immediate action to kickstart your journey
• At least one checkpoint (intermediary goals/milestones)

The map analogy frames your endeavors as a journey...

People in crisis are often emotional and incoherent. 

Questions with “Yes” or “No” answers are very useful for getting information quickly.

With more subtle questions, give a "menu" of at least three possible answers to avoid the question being misinterpreted.

1. Get new ideas off your mind as quickly as possible - silence the boss
2. process email rather than check email