Dones - Do you reply 'Done' and delete the original email?

If someone asks you to perform a task by email, don't reply "OK, I will do that" or fail to reply at all. Instead, do the task and reply "Done" when the task has been completed, and then delete the email. This way the person requesting the task knows that it has been done, and doesn't waste time following you up.

Read the "Definition of Done" for more information about the steps that need to be finished before replying to a done email.

Only say "Done" when the work is completed

• Ensure your changes are live when sending a "Done"
• If you have added the email to your backlog or to-do list, then say "==Added to backlog – URL is XXX==". You should still reply "Done" when you complete the task
• For tasks that will take time to be completely done (E.g. Producing a long video), you may send a "work in progress" email. This way you avoid giving the perception that no action was in relation to the task. You should still reply "Done" when you complete the task

When it's ok to reply before the task is done

If you believe the sender expects the task to be done sooner than you can reasonably complete it, it may be appropriate to reply to an email before the task is fully completed. In these cases, it’s important to set expectations to maintain professional integrity.

Reply with an estimated timeline, for example, “I’ve started working on this, and I expect it to be done by {{ DATE }}. This will take a bit longer due to {{ REASON }}.”

Use this approach to prevent misunderstandings and to make sure the requester is informed of the progress and any potential delays.

Alternatives to classic "Done" emails

• If the task is already done, then reply "==Already done - the reason is XXX=="
• If you don't agree with the task or are unable to complete the task:
  1. Seek clarification
  2. If you still don't agree or the task is still blocked, reply "==Not done - as per our conversation, the reason is XXX=="
• If there are multiple tasks (some "Done" and some "Not Done"), reply to each item individually "==Done==" or "==Not Done=="
• If the task can't be 100% completed at the time, you may reply "==Partially done - the reason is {{ REASON }}==" Note: If you expect the 'done' to happen soon, wait to send the email instead of using "Partially done"
• If the issue has been resolved without any manual intervention, you can reply with ==No action required - {{ REASON }}==. e.g. A service was down because of a third-party outage.
• If there is a better solution for the requested task:
  1. Have a conversation first
  2. Reply ==Done differently - {{ SOLUTION AND EXPLANATION }}==.
• If you have already sent a "Done", then the client asks you to revert the change, reply =="Undone"==

✅ Figure: Good example - "Not done" email

Tip #1: Say "Done" first

For clarity, "Done" (or "Not done" / "Already done" / "Partially done") should be the first word(s) so the reader knows the status straight away.

Tip #2: Provide details in your "Done"

In any reply, include relevant information, such as URLs, screenshots, or pieces of code/text that have been updated. URLs can be direct links to GitHub/Azure DevOps comments, in either Discussions, PBIs, Issues, etc. This allows others to check what was done straight away.

Tip #3: Replying "Done" to multiple tasks

It is important that you clearly reply to each of the multiple tasks.

Figure: Original email with the client request

❌ Figure: Bad example – It is not clear which tasks have been done and which haven't

❌ Figure: Bad example – It is clear which tasks have been done, however, [replying inline should be avoided](/email-avoid-inline) as it messes up the history

❌ Figure: Bad example – You can imply which tasks have been done by looking at the history, however it is painful, and [numbered lists are for tasks only](/number-tasks-questions)

✅ Figure: Good example – It is very clear which tasks have been done and which haven't. Quoting the original task is only necessary when some tasks are done and some are not see [Do you use indentation for readability?](/indent)

Replying "All done"

If you have completed multiple tasks without requiring additional information, it is acceptable to respond with a simple "All done." However, be careful and use this approach only when the tasks are unequivocally straightforward, leaving no room for ambiguity or uncertainty.

Make sure all tasks have been done and others can see the history of the requests. A URL is especially useful in these cases.

✅ Figure: Good example – If multiple tasks are clearly 'done', then replying "All done" is a good way to simplify things

Tip #4: Replying "Done" to huge tasks

Ideally, all PBI's should be done in less than 2 days. If you are given a task that is going to take more time than that, then split it by following breaking up monster tasks.

Tip #5: Don't consolidate emails

If you get multiple emails or tasks, don't consolidate them. Reply to each email individually as you go. This way the person requesting the work hasn't lost the email history and can understand what the work is done relates to. It also means that testing and/or feedback can come in as soon as possible after the 1st completed task.

1. Keeps conversations focused – Each response stays relevant to a single topic, making it easier to track
2. Prevents confusion and improves task management – Keeping topics in separate email threads makes it easier to follow discussions, track progress, and ensure no details are overlooked
3. Easier to search and reference later – Emails stay categorized by topic, making it simpler to find needed information
4. Avoids missed details – When responding to multiple emails in one, some points might get overlooked
5. Respects the sender’s structure – If they separated topics into different emails, keeping responses separate follows their logic

Tip #6: Delete "Done" emails - Aim for 0 inbox

There is no point in keeping emails that just clutter your inbox. You don't need to keep the original email because after you have replied "Done", there is a copy in "Sent Items". If you must keep an email, then move to your "Saved Items" folder.

Tip #7: When appropriate, use text instead of images/screenshots

When it fits, choose text over images or screenshots! This way, it's simpler to search, copy, paste, and tweak content as needed.

SELECT
ProdName = CASE WHEN Download.ProdCategoryID <> ''

THEN ProdCategory.CategoryName
ELSE Download.ProdName END,
Downloads = (SELECT Count(*) FROM ClientDiary
WHERE ClientDiary.DownloadID = Download.DownloadID

AND ClientDiary.CategoryID = 'DOWN'
AND ClientDiary.DateCreated > '01/01/2010'
AND ClientDiary.DateCreated < '01/01/2020')
FROM
Download
LEFT JOIN ProdCategory
ON Download.ProdCategoryID = ProdCategory.CategoryID

ORDER By Downloads DESC

✅ Figure: Good example - This "Done" uses text instead of an image so it is easier to search; to copy and paste; and to reply with a modification

Tip #8: Handle an email once

Follow a tip from Adam Cogan:

During my accounting days we had large physical in-trays and you were always picking up papers, looking at them, deciding it’s ‘too hard to do right now’, and then picking up another piece of paper... I learnt that a sign of an efficient person is that they handle a piece of paper once.

Likewise, when you get an email - don't just open it, have a quick look and close it with the idea that you will go back to it later. Read it, make a decision and do the action. Delete as many emails as you can on the first go. In the same vein, when you complete all tasks in an email, delete everything in that thread.

Tip #9: Consider alternatives in a team environment

In a development team environment, it is better to move emails to tracking systems. E.g.:

1. Azure DevOps Work Items
2. GitHub

Tip #10: Include a video when appropriate

See how to record a quick and dirty "Done Video".

Tip #11: Remember to thank people - don't be too brief and icy

When replying 'Done' to a bug or issue someone reported, remember to thank the person for taking the time to send it. A short "Thank you for reporting this" helps to make your 'Done' warmer.