I remember once I had a conversation with my boss that went like

• her: these are the top two priorities
• me: ok, which one should I do first?
• her: they both are top priority
• me: ok. But like which one first? When I get back to my desk, which one should I start?
• her: they both have to get done
• me: I hear you. But in the unlikely event of illness or a disaster, which one would you like more done?
• her: …this one.