Published September 7, 2026
Published September 7, 2026.
A task can look assigned while still being impossible to start. Before accepting it, an assistant should be able to state the outcome, locate the inputs, explain their decision rights, name the due point, and describe what approval looks like.
The five-part test
Write one sentence for each item: deliverable, source material, allowed actions, timing, and completion evidence. “Research competitors” fails because it does not identify the market, comparison fields, source standard, or output. “Prepare a cited comparison of five US virtual-assistant providers for review Friday” is workable.
Respond to a failed check
Do not silently fill consequential gaps. Separate assumptions that are reversible from decisions that affect claims, customers, money, or publication. Start safe preparation while placing one focused question with the decision owner.
| Gate | Passing evidence |
|---|---|
| Outcome | A named artifact and audience |
| Inputs | Accessible files, links, or systems |
| Authority | Actions allowed without approval |
| Timing | Due point and dependency dates |
| Review | Named reviewer and acceptance rule |
Make acceptance visible
Record “accepted,” “accepted with assumption,” or “waiting for decision.” This prevents a vague request from aging invisibly in the queue. For a related intake structure, use the publishing handoff definition of ready.
The test does not guarantee a perfect result. It creates a shared starting point and makes missing authority visible before effort compounds.