When a normal chat is enough
A short explanation, one-paragraph caption or simple rewrite usually does not need a multi-step workflow. A direct conversation keeps the request and revision visible and avoids granting unnecessary access.
- Clarify a concept or compare two short drafts.
- Create an outline from information already in the conversation.
- Rewrite a paragraph for length or tone.
- Prepare questions and a checklist for work you will do elsewhere.
When a Work assignment may be justified
Consider a multi-step assignment only where your account supports it and the task benefits from several authorised inputs, explicit stages and a reviewable deliverable. A suitable brief specifies outcome, sources, constraints, quality criteria and a stopping point.
Use checkpoints instead of open-ended authority
- Start with a small, reversible subset of the task.
- Review the proposed plan and the files or sources it intends to use.
- Inspect intermediate calculations and assumptions before the final report.
- Keep external messages, purchases and account changes outside the assignment unless separately authorised.
- Recheck the final deliverable against original sources before sharing it.
Do not use a larger workflow by default
- Do not grant access merely because the feature exists.
- Do not assume browsing, file access or external actions are available in your plan.
- Do not let an agent infer missing commercial figures.
- Do not treat a polished report as proof that sources were consulted.
- Keep consequential decisions and irreversible actions with a responsible person.
Official and reference links