Hand over work so another person can continue

Separate status from activity

List completed, ongoing and unstarted work separately. Explain the scope of anything you call ready. Do not assume the next person will read your entire message history.

Give the necessary link its context

Add a short description such as the file version or relevant section. Check access through your existing team process; do not put passwords or access keys in the note. You do not need to upload confidential work files for this exercise.

State the open issue and its owner

Do not present an uncertainty as an agreed decision. If the decision owner is unknown, say that it needs clarification. Distinguish a target date you chose from a fixed deadline set by someone else.

Check understanding with the recipient

Ask the person taking over to describe their first action in their own words. Add missing context without repeating the entire note. Include a short clarification that could prevent the same question next time.

Turn reading into an output

1. Separate one task into completed, ongoing and open items.
2. Write a short explanation of the linked material.
3. State who owns the open decision or that ownership is unclear.
4. Prepare one question to check the recipient’s first action.