An AI agent finishes one task, then waits. You repeat your preferences, chase progress, and still have to check what it delivered. Clear goals and standing orders help it do more useful work with less repeated prompting.
Use these tips with the tools your agent supports. Give it clear permission before it shares data or takes action in another service.
Just ask - Ask for what you need, even if you have not seen the agent do it before. For example, ask it to turn meeting notes into an action list, then check what access it needs. You may find it can help with more than code
Coordinate from one main agent - Where supported and authorised, use your main agent to assign work to tools on your other AI subscriptions. For example, it could drive Claude Code through an approved integration
Run independent tasks in parallel - Ask the agent to check links while another task reviews wording. Keep shared file edits separate, then review the combined result; see
when cloud agents help Keep moving when blocked - Ask the agent to explain the blocker and continue other useful, authorised work. For example, it can prepare test cases while a design decision is pending
Follow up on pending decisions - Ask the agent to keep a list of unresolved decisions and remind you when an answer is needed. Set a follow-up time where reminders are supported; see
how to clarify with agents Ask for a recommendation - Have the agent give the pros, cons, and its recommended option when it presents a choice. See
how to compare options
Ask for an initial ETA - Ask for an estimated completion time when you assign a task. Include the assumptions that could change it
Ask for progress updates - Where ongoing updates are supported, ask for an updated ETA every five minutes while the agent works. Each update should state progress, blockers, and time remaining
Set quiet hours - For example, request no routine updates from 23:00 to 07:00 in your time zone. Agree how urgent blockers should be handled
Request a daily operations brief - Ask for one page covering completed tasks, blockers, owners, and next steps. Use supported scheduling for delivery, or request it when you start your day
Use voice for briefings - Where voice calls are supported, ask for a hands-free briefing, such as on your commute. Start the call safely before driving and keep your attention on the road
Make allowances visible - Connect your AI plans to the main agent where supported integrations expose allowances and reset times. Otherwise, check the provider dashboard and supply current figures; see
monitoring AI cost and usage Plan around resets - Ask the agent to compare the remaining allowance with the time to reset and suggest useful, approved backlog work before it expires. Include the figures and suggestions in the daily brief; see
displaying usage limits
Ask for evidence - Require test results and links to completed work, such as a PR. For changes, ask for before and after screenshots and a short video explaining the problem, change, and checks; see
AI-created Done videos. You can also use ElevenLabs to generate
music and
sound effects for videos
"Improve the onboarding page. Tell me when it is done."
❌ Figure: Bad example - The task has no clear result, progress agreement, or evidence requirement
"Draft a PR that adds a setup checklist to the onboarding page. Give me an ETA and update it every five minutes. If you need a decision, list the options and recommend one, then check the page's links while I decide. Include the check results, before and after screenshots, and a short Done video."
✅ Figure: Good example - The task defines the result, updates, useful work during a blocker, and completion evidence