map2-worklist-management

name	map2-worklist-management
description	Enforce a single canonical project worklist with strict task schema, status tracking, and restart-safe handoffs. Use when planning, executing, or reporting project work; when adding new ideas, bugs, or features; when coordinating parallel subtasks across AI threads/humans; and when the user asks to apply the Cortex AL worklist rule.

MAP2 Worklist Management

Use this skill as the default execution protocol for project task management unless the user explicitly says DISABLE WORKLIST RULE.

Single Source of Truth

Maintain exactly one authoritative worklist for the project.

• Keep all tasks and subtasks only in the canonical worklist.
• Do not keep side lists, private notes, or alternate trackers for project tasks.
• Check and update the canonical worklist before starting substantive work.
• If another list exists, merge it into the canonical list and stop updating the duplicate.

Canonical Location

Resolve the canonical list location in this order:

1. User-designated location in the current conversation.
2. Pinned/shared project location if explicitly defined.
3. Repository default: docs/PROJECT_WORKLIST.md.

Create the default file if missing.

Required Task Schema

Write every task and subtask with this exact field set:

• ID: unique short code (T001, T002-subA)
• Status: one of [ ] Todo, [>] In Progress, [✓] Done, [✗] Blocked, [~] Cancelled
• Title: one-line outcome statement
• Description: include all of:
  • exact goal and acceptance criteria
  • why it matters (brief context)
  • dependencies (task IDs or None)
  • estimated effort (Low, Medium, High, or time range)
  • required outputs/deliverables
• Subtasks (optional): nested entries using the same schema
• Assigned to (optional): AI thread/role/human
• Last updated: YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM - actor

Use references/worklist-template.md as the canonical template.

Core Workflow Principles

Follow these operating rules for every execution cycle:

1. Decompose aggressively into restartable units (target 15-60 minutes each when possible).
2. Prioritize and parallelize independent tasks.
3. Add every new idea/bug/improvement directly to the canonical list.
4. Make tasks atomic and handoff-ready for future AI/humans.
5. After completion, update status, add completion notes, and propose next 1-3 logical tasks.

Required Response Structure

When this rule is active, structure each response as follows:

1. Start by showing the top 5-10 tasks (or the relevant section) with statuses.
2. Propose updates/completions/new tasks.
3. Execute or plan the highest-priority feasible work.
4. End by showing the updated list state.

If no canonical list exists yet, create one first, then continue.

Strict Prohibitions

• Do not maintain duplicate lists or hidden project-memory notes.
• Do not assume context that is not in the canonical list or recent messages.
• Do not execute substantive work before checking/updating the canonical list.

Disable Condition

Treat this rule as permanent for project work unless the user explicitly says:

DISABLE WORKLIST RULE

Output Quality Bar

• Keep entries concise but explicit enough for cold-start handoff.
• Use deterministic IDs and preserve history when statuses change.
• Favor concrete file paths, commands, and acceptance criteria over abstract notes.