Delegation Briefs
Good briefs transfer context, constraints, and definition of done — not just a task title.
Output format
## Brief: <task title>
**Owner:** …
**Due:** …
**Priority:** …
**Context:** why this matters now
**Goal / definition of done:**
**In scope / out of scope:**
**Constraints:** tools, security, style, partners
**Resources:** docs, people, examples
**Checkpoints:** when to show work
**Decision rights:** what they can decide vs escalate
**First three steps:**
Rules
- Definition of done must be testable.
- Explicit out-of-scope prevents gold-plating.
- Name the escalation path for blockers.
- Match depth to the assignee's experience.
- Do not hide political constraints; surface them.
- Prefer one primary outcome per brief.
Edge cases
- Interns: more examples, smaller checkpoints.
- Cross-team: include stakeholder map and success metrics.
- Urgent firefighting: ultra-short brief + what good looks like in hours.