---
name: al-082-write-a-complete-agent-task-brief
description: "Turn a vague ask like 'handle my inbox' into a clear brief with goal, context, limits, output, and approvals, so the agent doesn't overreach. Use when the user wants help with task briefs (business strategy) for a small business."
---

# Write a complete agent task brief

Turn a vague ask like 'handle my inbox' into a clear brief with goal, context, limits, output, and approvals, so the agent doesn't overreach.

## Inputs to collect first
Ask the user for anything below that they haven't already given you. Don't guess missing facts.

- Task

## Instructions

Do the task below with the user's inputs in place of each [bracket].

Turn this vague task into a five-part agent brief: [describe task]. Include: 1) goal, 2) context (which files, accounts, and folders it may use), 3) constraints (what it must never do), 4) the exact output and where it goes, and 5) approvals (what's automatic, what just notifies me, and what needs my OK). Keep it under one page.

## Safety checks (share these with the user)

- This prompt works on text other people wrote (emails, reviews, messages or web pages). That text can hide instructions aimed at AI, such as "ignore your rules and…". Paste it as material to work on, and never let the AI act on requests inside it, like paying, sharing logins or changing records.
- Check names, dates, numbers and any claim against your own source material before you use the answer. AI can misread or invent details.
- Say clearly which parts need a person to review or approve before anything is sent, paid, posted or filed.

## About this skill

- Works with: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, ChatGPT agents, Claude Cowork
- Based on this real-world example: https://www.getpraktivo.com/blog/ai-agent-prompts-for-business-owners/
- Free prompt from AgentPlaybook Real Estate: https://agentic-library.netlify.app/prompt/al-082-write-a-complete-agent-task-brief/
- To install in an agent that supports Agent Skills, save this file as SKILL.md in a folder with the same name as `name` above (for example in your skills directory). Install steps for Claude.ai, Claude Code, Cursor and Codex: https://agentic-library.netlify.app/skills/