Write a handover note before you go on leave

Opening this in Claude or ChatGPT sends the prompt with its {{PLACEHOLDERS}} still in it. Replace them with your own details before you send, or copy the prompt and fill them in first.

Here is what I look after:

<responsibilities>
{{RESPONSIBILITIES}}
</responsibilities>

I am away:
{{DATES}}

Write a handover note with these sections.

1. WHAT RUNS WITHOUT ME
Things that continue untouched. Keep this short; it exists so the reader can stop worrying about them.

2. WHAT NEEDS SOMEONE
For each: what it is, when it is due while I am away, who should pick it up if I have named someone, and what "done" looks like. If no owner is named, write "OWNER NEEDED" rather than guessing.

3. IF THIS HAPPENS, DO THIS
The realistic problems, each with the first action. Only include ones that have actually happened or are clearly likely.

4. ONLY I KNOW THIS
Anything in the above that depends on knowledge, access or a relationship that is not written down anywhere. Be blunt. This section is the point of the exercise.

5. DO NOT DECIDE THIS WITHOUT ME
Decisions worth waiting for, with the date they can wait until.

Write it for someone competent who does not know my work. No reassurance, no "feel free to reach out".

End of prompt: Write a handover note before you go on leave