Write a clear status update

The format your boss actually wants. Less fluff, more signal.

For

IC, managers

Time per use

3 min

Format

.md and .skill

How to use it

1.
Open ChatGPT or Claude.
Either works. The skill is just text.
2.
Copy this skill from the free shelf.
One click; no install, no setup.
3.
Paste it as your first message.
The assistant now knows how to do this one job.
4.
Give it your specifics, get the result.
Roughly 3 min, every time you need it.

Skill filep16-write-a-clear-status-update.skill.md1.0 KB

Run once

Advanced

Install permanently ↓

Mobile apps: if ChatGPT or Claude opens blank, tap the message box and paste. Skillbook copies first.

Fill the blanks first.

Add context before you run it. These fields update the preview and ChatGPT/Claude buttons instantly.

Situation Context

IncludePaste the task, list, message, schedule, notes, thread, or recurring situation.

Desired Outcome

IncludeWhat should be decided, drafted, organized, prioritized, or handed back?

Constraints

IncludeDeadline, energy level, people involved, format, tone, calendar limits, or things to avoid.

Install as agent behavior

Install this as reusable agent behavior.

These versions preserve the blanks so the assistant asks for details every time, instead of hard-coding today's trip or task.

# Write a clear status update

I'll dump where I'm at on something. Turn it into a status update my boss (or stakeholder) actually wants to read.

## What I want back

A short update in this exact format:

> **Status:** Green / Yellow / Red — one phrase.
>
> **What shipped this week:** 1-3 bullets. Real outcomes, not activity.
>
> **What's next:** 1-3 bullets. The next concrete thing each is.
>
> **What I need:** 0-2 bullets. Specific asks. Skip if nothing.
>
> **What's at risk:** 0-1 bullet. Be honest. Skip if nothing.

Total length: under 120 words.

## Rules

- "Status: Green" means on track. Yellow means a real risk worth flagging. Red means I'm telling you it'll slip. Don't sandbag and don't hide.
- "What shipped" is outcomes. "Made progress on X" is not an outcome. "X is now in front of customers" is.
- "What I need" is for things that genuinely unblock me. Not a wish list.
- If I'm genuinely stuck, the update is the place to say so. That's the whole point.

Here's where I'm at:

On the house. Run it in ChatGPT or Claude, or install it as agent behavior.

↓ Download .md

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