> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.stage3.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Completing Tasks

> Master the process of updating, documenting, and finishing your tasks

## Task Completion Overview

Completing a task involves more than just doing the work. It's a process that ensures quality, accountability, and clear communication.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Task">
    Access the task from "My Tasks" or from the workflow.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Update Status to 'In Progress'">
    Change the **Status** dropdown from "New" to "In Progress" when you start working.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Perform the Work">
    Complete the task following the provided instructions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Comments">
    Document any important information or decisions in the "Comments" section.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload Attachments">
    Add supporting files, documents, or evidence of completion.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Mark Complete">
    Change the **Status** dropdown to "Completed" to finish the task.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Opening a Task

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to the Task">
    Access tasks from multiple locations:

    **From My Tasks:**

    * Click **Tasks & Work > My Tasks** in the navigation sidebar
    * Find and click "View" on the task row

    **From a Workflow:**

    * Open the workflow
    * Click the task in the task list

    **From a Notification:**

    * Click a task notification
    * Opens directly to the task
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review Task Information">
    Before starting, review the "Task Details" panel:

    * **Task Title** and **Description**: What needs to be done
    * **Priority** level: How urgent is this
    * **Status**: The current state (e.g., "New")
    * **Assigned To**: Who is responsible
    * **Due date**: When it should be completed
    * **Dependencies**: What must be done first
    * **Attachment requirements**: What documentation is needed
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Updating Task Status

Keep task status current so everyone knows what you're working on:

### Starting a Task

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click the 'Status' Dropdown">
    When you're ready to begin work, click the **Status** dropdown in the "Task Details" panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select 'In Progress'">
    * Task status badge changes to "In Progress"
    * Task moves to your "In Progress" section
    * Team members see you're working on it
    * Time tracking begins (if enabled)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Notifications Sent">
    Relevant people are notified:

    * Workflow owner knows work has started
    * Team members waiting on this task get updates
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  Starting a task is optional but recommended. It provides visibility and prevents duplicate work when tasks are assigned to teams.
</Info>

### Pausing a Task

<Accordion title="If you need to pause work">
  If you start a task but can't complete it immediately:

  1. Add a comment explaining why you're pausing
  2. Task remains "In Progress"
  3. Come back to it when ready

  **Example comment**: "Pausing - waiting for vendor response. Will resume when they reply."

  The task stays in your "In Progress" list as a reminder.
</Accordion>

### Marking as Blocked

<Accordion title="If you encounter a blocker">
  If you cannot complete the task due to an issue:

  1. Change the **Status** dropdown to "Blocked"
  2. Add a comment explaining the blocker
  3. Tag people who can help
  4. Status changes to "Blocked"

  **Example**:
  Marking as blocked - cannot access vendor portal to download contract. IT ticket #4567 submitted. @it-manager can you expedite?

  This alerts others that intervention is needed.
</Accordion>

## Adding Comments to Tasks

Comments provide context, ask questions, and document decisions:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Scroll to Comments Section">
    Find the "Comments" area at the bottom of the "Task Details" panel (e.g., "Comments (0)").
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click 'Add Comment'">
    Click the **Add Comment** button.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write Your Comment">
    Add relevant information:

    **Good comments:**

    * "Spoke with vendor - they confirmed delivery by Friday"
    * "Changed approach per discussion with @manager - using Method B instead of Method A"
    * "Question: Should I include Q4 data in this report or just Q1-Q3? @project-owner"
    * "Completed successfully. Note: Had to use alternate vendor due to original being out of stock."

    **Avoid:**

    * "Done" (not helpful for future reference)
    * Comments that just repeat the task name
    * Vague updates without details
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tag People When Needed">
    Use **@mentions** to notify specific people:

    * Type `@` followed by the person's name
    * Select from the dropdown
    * They'll receive a notification

    **When to tag:**

    * Asking someone a question
    * Notifying someone of important information
    * Requesting approval or review
    * Escalating an issue
  </Step>

  <Step title="Format Your Comment">
    Use formatting for clarity:

    * **Bold** important points
    * Use bullet points for lists
    * Add line breaks for readability
    * Include links to resources
  </Step>

  <Step title="Post Comment">
    Click **Post** or **Add Comment** to publish.

    Comment appears in the task's activity stream.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### When to Add Comments

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Always Comment When" icon="comment-exclamation">
    * You encounter problems or blockers
    * You make decisions that affect others
    * You deviate from task instructions
    * You need clarification or approval
    * You discover important information
  </Card>

  <Card title="Consider Commenting When" icon="comment">
    * You complete a major subtask
    * You make progress updates
    * You reference related resources
    * You acknowledge feedback
    * You explain your approach
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Uploading Attachments

Attach files to tasks for documentation and evidence:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Find Attachments Section">
    Look for the **Attachments** or **Files** section in the task detail panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click 'Add Attachment' or 'Upload'">
    Click the button to open the file upload dialog.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Files">
    Choose files from your computer:

    * Select one or multiple files
    * Or drag and drop files into the upload area

    **Supported file types:**

    * Documents: PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
    * Images: PNG, JPG, GIF
    * Archives: ZIP
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for Upload">
    Files upload with progress indicators.

    Don't close the window until complete.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add File Descriptions">
    For each uploaded file, add a description in the **Comments** section for context:

    * What the file contains
    * Why it's relevant
    * Any important details

    **Example**: "Signed contract with start date of June 1, 2025 - page 3"
  </Step>
</Steps>

[See detailed guide on uploading evidence](/workflows/uploading-evidence)

### Attachment Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Name Files Descriptively">
    Before uploading, rename files to be clear:

    **Good**: `signed-vendor-contract-acme-corp-2025.pdf`

    **Bad**: `document.pdf` or `scan001.pdf`
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Upload Immediately">
    Don't wait until you mark the task complete. Upload files as you create or receive them.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Compress Large Files">
    If files are very large:

    * Compress PDFs
    * Resize images
    * Use ZIP files for multiple items
    * Or link to cloud storage instead
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Include All Required Attachments">
    Check task requirements. If it says "upload signed form AND confirmation email," make sure to upload both.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Marking a Task Complete

Once work is done and documented, mark the task complete:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Verify Completion Requirements">
    Before marking complete, confirm:

    * Work is actually finished
    * All attachments/evidence uploaded
    * Required comments added
    * Quality standards met
    * Any approvals obtained (if needed)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click the 'Status' Dropdown">
    In the "Task Details" panel, click the **Status** dropdown.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select 'Completed'">
    Choose **"Completed"** from the list.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Completion Notes (Optional)">
    Add a final comment with a summary of what was done.

    **Example**: "Completed onboarding call. Employee is excited and will start June 1st. Sent calendar invite for first day."
  </Step>

  <Step title="Task Status Updates">
    Task is now complete:

    * Status changes to "Completed"
    * Task gets a checkmark in the list
    * Completion timestamp recorded
    * Task moves to completed tasks list
    * Dependent tasks may unlock
  </Step>
</Steps>

### What Happens After Completion

<Accordion title="Notifications Sent">
  People are notified of completion:

  * Workflow owner sees progress
  * Team members with dependent tasks are alerted
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Workflow Updates">
  The workflow reflects your completion:

  * Progress percentage increases
  * Progress bar updates
  * Task appears as complete in workflow view
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Dependent Tasks Unlock">
  If other tasks were waiting on this one:

  * They change from "Pending" to "New" or "Available"
  * Assigned people can now start them
</Accordion>

## Tasks Requiring Approval

Some tasks need manager or stakeholder approval before completing:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Complete the Work">
    Do the task as normal.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload Evidence">
    Provide all required documentation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit for Approval">
    Instead of "Completed", change the **Status** dropdown to **"Pending Approval"**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Task Goes to Approver">
    Status changes to "Pending Approval":

    * Approver receives notification
    * Task is locked from editing
    * You wait for approval decision
  </Step>

  <Step title="Approval or Rejection">
    Approver reviews your work and either:

    **Approved:**

    * Task status is changed to "Completed"
    * You receive notification
    * Workflow progresses

    **Rejected:**

    * Task status is changed back to "In Progress"
    * Approver provides feedback in the Comments
    * You make corrections and resubmit
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Responding to Rejection

If your task is rejected:

1. Read the approver's feedback in the **Comments**
2. Make the requested changes
3. Upload updated evidence if needed
4. Add a comment explaining what you changed
5. Change the status back to **"Pending Approval"**

**Example comment**: "Updated report per feedback - added Q4 data and corrected calculations on page 5. Resubmitting for approval."

## Editing Completed Tasks

Sometimes you need to update a task after marking it complete:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Adding Forgotten Attachments">
    If you forgot to upload something:

    1. Open the completed task
    2. Upload the missing file
    3. Add comment: "Adding missed attachment - \[description]"

    The task remains complete but now has the full documentation.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Correcting Mistakes">
    If you realize you made an error:

    1. Add a comment explaining the mistake
    2. Tag the workflow owner or manager
    3. They can change the task status back to "In Progress"
    4. Make corrections
    5. Re-mark as "Completed"

    <Warning>
      Don't try to hide mistakes. It's better to correct them openly and maintain trust.
    </Warning>
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Info>
  Most systems don't allow editing completed tasks directly to maintain audit trails. Changes are made via comments and additional attachments, or by reopening the task.
</Info>

## Task Completion Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Complete Tasks Promptly">
    Don't let tasks sit in "In Progress" for days. Complete them quickly to:

    * Unblock dependent tasks
    * Maintain workflow momentum
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Quality Over Speed">
    Taking time to do tasks correctly is better than rushing:

    * Double-check your work
    * Verify attachments are clear and complete
    * Ensure you followed instructions
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Document as You Go">
    Don't wait until the end to document:

    * Add comments throughout the process
    * Upload files as you create them
    * Capture decisions in real-time
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Communicate Proactively">
    Use comments to share:

    * Problems you encountered
    * Decisions you made
    * Information teammates will need
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Check Dependencies Before Completing">
    Before marking complete, verify:

    * You actually finished (not 95% done)
    * Attachments clearly prove completion
    * Quality meets standards
    * Any approvals are obtained
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Common Task Completion Scenarios

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Task Takes Longer Than Expected">
    **What to do:**

    1. Add a comment explaining the delay
    2. Update estimated completion date
    3. Notify affected people if delay impacts them
    4. Ask for help if you're stuck

    **Example comment**: "This task is taking longer than expected due to data quality issues. Need extra 2 days to clean data properly. Will complete by Thursday instead of Tuesday."
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Instructions Are Unclear">
    **What to do:**

    1. Add a comment asking for clarification
    2. Tag the task creator or workflow owner
    3. Don't proceed until you get clarity
    4. Don't guess - ask

    **Example comment**: "@workflow-owner The instructions say 'configure system settings' but don't specify which settings. Can you clarify which settings need to be configured?"
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Resources Aren't Available">
    **What to do:**

    1. Change status to **Blocked**
    2. Explain what resources you need
    3. Tag people who can provide resources
    4. Document when you expect resources

    **Example comment**: "Marking as blocked - need access to vendor portal to complete this. Requested access from IT (ticket #4567). Expected access by tomorrow."
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Task Is No Longer Needed">
    **What to do:**

    1. Add a comment explaining why
    2. Tag the workflow owner
    3. Ask if task should be cancelled
    4. Don't mark it complete if work wasn't done

    **Example comment**: "@workflow-owner This task is no longer needed because we decided to use the existing contract instead. Can you cancel this task?"
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Keyboard Shortcuts (if available)

Some systems support keyboard shortcuts for faster task management:

| Shortcut | Action                  |
| -------- | ----------------------- |
| `S`      | Change Status           |
| `M`      | Add Comment             |
| `E`      | Add Attachment          |
| `Esc`    | Close task detail panel |
| `↑` `↓`  | Navigate between tasks  |

<Info>
  Check your system's documentation for available shortcuts.
</Info>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Use My Tasks" icon="list-check" href="/tasks/using-my-tasks">
    View and manage all your tasks in one place
  </Card>

  <Card title="Organize Tasks" icon="folder-tree" href="/tasks/organizing-tasks">
    Use tags, priorities, and due dates effectively
  </Card>

  <Card title="Upload Evidence" icon="upload" href="/workflows/uploading-evidence">
    Detailed guide on uploading evidence and attachments
  </Card>

  <Card title="Track Progress" icon="chart-line" href="/workflows/tracking-progress">
    Monitor your workflow and task progress
  </Card>
</CardGroup>