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authorCraig Jennings <c@cjennings.net>2026-02-07 21:41:19 -0600
committerCraig Jennings <c@cjennings.net>2026-02-07 21:41:19 -0600
commit6787fb160c80118b80df37c01cb69dcfbebfff17 (patch)
treee5b43c8c62e027b7cabffa31b43238027ec284d0 /docs/workflows/session-start.org
parentcad8146f1bfe6224ad476f33e3087b2e2074c717 (diff)
downloadarchangel-6787fb160c80118b80df37c01cb69dcfbebfff17.tar.gz
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docs: sync templates, rename workflows and notes.org
Sync from templates. Rename NOTES.org to notes.org, session-wrap-up to wrap-it-up, retrospective-workflow to retrospective, session-start to startup. Update all references.
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-#+TITLE: Session Start Workflow
-#+AUTHOR: Craig Jennings & Claude
-#+DATE: 2025-11-14
-
-* Overview
-
-This workflow defines the process for beginning a Claude Code session. It ensures Claude has the necessary context, is aware of current priorities, and can work effectively with Craig from the start.
-
-This workflow runs **automatically at the beginning of EVERY session** without needing to be triggered by Craig.
-
-* Problem We're Solving
-
-Without a structured session start process, sessions can begin poorly:
-
-** Missing Context
-- Claude doesn't know what happened in previous sessions
-- Important reminders or decisions are overlooked
-- No awareness of project-specific conventions or preferences
-- Time wasted re-explaining project context
-
-** Outdated Information
-- Missing protocol updates from template improvements
-- Unaware of new workflows available in the project
-- Using old conventions that have been superseded
-- Templates and project drift out of sync
-
-** Missed Priorities
-- New documents in inbox go unnoticed
-- Critical reminders aren't surfaced
-- Pending decisions remain unaddressed
-- User has urgent work but Claude suggests non-urgent tasks
-
-** Inefficient Start
-- Reading entire NOTES.org file (wasting tokens on static content)
-- No clear next steps or priorities
-- User must orient Claude manually
-- Lack of structure for beginning work
-
-*Impact:* Slow session starts, missed context, wasted time, and frustration from having to repeat information.
-
-* Exit Criteria
-
-The session start is complete when:
-
-1. **Claude has current context:**
- - Knows project-specific information and goals
- - Aware of how user prefers to work
- - Understanding of recent session history (last 2-3 sessions)
- - Current reminders and pending decisions surfaced
-
-2. **Templates are synced:**
- - Checked for updates from claude-templates
- - Any new workflows or improvements identified
- - Project templates directory is current
-
-3. **Inbox is processed:**
- - New documents identified and reviewed
- - Recommendations provided for each
- - Documents filed appropriately
-
-4. **Next steps are clear:**
- - User has stated urgent work, OR
- - Claude has suggested following what's-next workflow
- - Session has clear direction
-
-*Measurable validation:*
-- Active Reminders have been surfaced to user
-- Pending Decisions have been mentioned
-- Inbox is empty or user has deferred processing
-- User has confirmed what to work on OR agreed to what's-next workflow
-
-* When to Use This Workflow
-
-**IMPORTANT: This workflow runs AUTOMATICALLY at the start of EVERY session.**
-
-Do NOT ask the user if they want to run it - just execute it immediately when a new session begins.
-
-The only exception is if the user immediately provides urgent instructions that require immediate action (e.g., "the server is down, help me debug it right now").
-
-* First Time Setup
-
-If this is the first time using this workflow in a project, perform this one-time cleanup:
-
-** Clean Up Old "Session Start" Documentation
-
-Before using this workflow, check if NOTES.org contains old/redundant session start instructions:
-
-1. **Search NOTES.org for duplicate content:**
- #+begin_src bash
- grep -n "Session Start\|session start" docs/NOTES.org
- #+end_src
-
-2. **Look for sections that duplicate this workflow:**
- - Detailed "Session Start Routine" instructions
- - Step-by-step template sync instructions
- - Inline instructions for reading NOTES.org sections
- - Inbox processing instructions
-
-3. **Replace with link to this workflow:**
- - Remove the detailed inline instructions
- - Replace with: "See [[file:docs/workflows/session-start.org][Session Start Workflow]]"
- - Keep brief summary if helpful for quick reference
-
-4. **Why this matters:**
- - Prevents conflicting instructions (e.g., different diff commands)
- - Single source of truth for session start process
- - Easier to maintain and update in one place
- - Reduces NOTES.org file size
-
-**Example cleanup:**
-
-Before:
-#+begin_example
-* Session Start Routine
-
-When starting a new session with Craig, follow these steps:
-
-1. Add Timestamp for Session History
- [detailed instructions...]
-2. Sync with Templates
- [detailed instructions...]
-3. Scan workflows directory
- [detailed instructions...]
-[30+ lines of detailed instructions]
-#+end_example
-
-After:
-#+begin_example
-* Session Start Routine
-
-**IMPORTANT: ALWAYS run this routine automatically at the start of EVERY session.**
-
-Execute the session start workflow defined in [[file:docs/workflows/session-start.org][session-start.org]].
-
-Brief summary: Add timestamp, sync templates, scan workflows, read key NOTES.org sections, process inbox, ask about priorities.
-#+end_example
-
-This cleanup should only be done ONCE when first adopting this workflow.
-
-* The Workflow
-
-** Step 1: Add Session Start Timestamp
-
-Record when the session begins for tracking purposes.
-
-*** Why This Matters
-
-- Helps identify if previous session was interrupted (no end timestamp)
-- Provides session duration tracking
-- Creates clear session boundaries in history
-
-*** How to Add Timestamp
-
-1. **Navigate to Session History section** in =docs/NOTES.org=
-
-2. **Check the last session entry:**
- - If it has a start timestamp but NO end timestamp → previous session was interrupted
- - If it has both start and end timestamps → previous session completed normally
-
-3. **Prepare for new session entry** (will be written during wrap-up):
- - Note the current time for internal reference
- - Session entry will be created at wrap-up, not now
- - This step is just to CHECK for interrupted sessions
-
-4. **If previous session was interrupted:**
- - Mention to user: "I notice the last session (DATE) didn't complete normally. Should I review what was being worked on?"
- - This helps recover context if something went wrong
-
-*** Format
-
-Session timestamps follow this format (added during wrap-up, not session start):
-- Start: Recorded at beginning of session
-- End: Recorded during wrap-up workflow
-
-Example:
-#+begin_example
-** Session: November 14, 2025 (Morning)
-Started: 09:30 AM
-Ended: 11:45 AM
-#+end_example
-
-** Step 2: Sync with Templates
-
-Keep the project aligned with latest best practices from claude-templates.
-
-*** CRITICAL: Template is Authoritative
-
-**The template is the single source of truth.** Do not review diffs or decide whether to apply changes - just copy from template to project. There should NEVER be differences between template files and project files, not even cosmetic differences like trailing whitespace.
-
-If a project needs project-specific protocol additions, put them in NOTES.org under a "Project-Specific Protocols" section - NEVER modify protocols.org in the project.
-
-*** Why This Matters
-
-- Ensures consistent behavior across all projects
-- Eliminates drift between template and projects
-- Protocol improvements automatically propagate to all projects
-- Single source of truth prevents confusion
-
-*** How to Copy
-
-Copy template files directly to the project's docs/ directory:
-
-#+begin_src bash
-cp ~/projects/claude-templates/docs/protocols.org docs/protocols.org
-cp -r ~/projects/claude-templates/docs/workflows docs/
-cp -r ~/projects/claude-templates/docs/scripts docs/
-#+end_src
-
-**Mention any significant updates** if you notice them:
-- If protocols.org has new sections, mention briefly
-- If new workflows were added, mention them
-- Example: "protocols.org now includes alarm instructions"
-
-That's it. No diff review, no decisions - template always wins.
-
-*** Workflow Directory Structure
-
-There are TWO workflow directories:
-
-**=docs/workflows/=** - Template workflows (standard across all projects)
-- Copied from template on every session start
-- NEVER edit these in a project - edit in template instead
-- Safe to overwrite completely during copy
-- Examples: session-start.org, session-wrap-up.org, create-workflow.org
-
-**=docs/project-workflows/=** - Project-specific workflows (unique to this project)
-- NEVER copied or touched by template sync
-- Created and maintained within the project only
-- Examples: morning-checkin.org (health), danneel-inbox-zero.org (danneel)
-
-*** What Gets Copied (Template → Project)
-
-- **protocols.org** - Always overwrite from template
-- **workflows/** - Template workflows (overwritten completely)
-- **scripts/** - Template scripts (overwritten completely)
-
-*** What Is NEVER Copied (Project-Specific)
-
-- **NOTES.org** - Project-specific content (context, history, reminders)
-- **previous-session-history.org** - Project-specific history
-- **session-context.org** - Project-specific live session data
-- **someday-maybe.org** - Project-specific ideas
-- **project-workflows/** - Project-specific workflows (separate directory, never touched)
-
-** Step 3: Scan Workflows Directory
-
-Understand what workflows are available in this project.
-
-*** Why This Matters
-
-- Enables Claude to suggest appropriate workflows
-- Builds vocabulary for understanding user requests
-- Shows what standardized processes exist
-- Helps answer "how do we do X?" questions
-
-*** How to Scan
-
-1. **List workflow files:**
- #+begin_src bash
- ls -1 docs/workflows/
- #+end_src
-
-2. **Note the workflow names** (just filenames, don't read contents):
- - create-workflow.org
- - create-v2mom.org
- - session-start.org
- - session-wrap-up.org
- - [project-specific workflows]
-
-3. **Remember these exist** for suggesting to user later
-
-4. **Do NOT read full workflow contents** - they're long and will be read when actually executing a workflow
-
-*** When User Says "Let's Run the X Workflow"
-
-1. Check if workflow exists in docs/workflows/
-2. If yes: Read that specific workflow file and execute it
-3. If no: Offer to create it using create-workflow process
-
-** Step 4: Read protocols.org and NOTES.org
-
-Get behavioral instructions and project context.
-
-*** Why Two Files?
-
-Documentation is now split into two files:
-- **protocols.org** - How Claude should behave (consistent across all projects)
-- **NOTES.org** - Project-specific content (unique to each project)
-
-This separation allows protocol updates to sync automatically without affecting project data.
-
-*** Read protocols.org First
-
-Read the entire =docs/protocols.org= file. It contains:
-- Session management protocols (context files, compacting)
-- Important terminology and trigger phrases
-- User information and preferences
-- Git commit requirements
-- File format and naming conventions
-- Session start instructions
-
-This file is relatively short and should be read in full.
-
-*** Then Read NOTES.org
-
-NOTES.org now contains only project-specific content:
-
-1. **Project-Specific Context** section
- - **THIS IS THE KEY SECTION** - contains what the project is about
- - People involved and their roles
- - Current state of the project
- - Goals and objectives
- - Important background information
- - Technical architecture or key decisions
-
-2. **Active Reminders** section
- - Critical items to surface to user
- - Time-sensitive follow-ups
- - Important tasks user asked to be reminded about
-
-3. **Pending Decisions** section
- - Decisions awaiting user input
- - Blockers that need resolution
- - Questions that need answering
-
-4. **Session History - Last 2-3 entries only**
- - Recent work completed
- - Recent decisions made
- - Context from previous sessions
- - What was being worked on
- - **Do NOT read entire session history** - older entries are archived
-
-*** What to SKIP in NOTES.org
-
-- About This File (brief, just links to protocols.org)
-- Available Workflows catalog (just scanned in Step 3)
-- Session History format instructions (reference material)
-- Full Session History (only read last 2-3 entries)
-- Archived sessions in previous-session-history.org (unless specifically needed)
-
-*** How to Read Efficiently
-
-#+begin_example
-1. Read docs/protocols.org (entire file - it's the behavioral guide)
-2. Read docs/NOTES.org Project-Specific Context section
-3. Read docs/NOTES.org Active Reminders section
-4. Read docs/NOTES.org Pending Decisions section
-5. Read last 2-3 Session History entries (count backwards from end)
-#+end_example
-
-** Step 5: Process Inbox
-
-Check for new documents and help user file them appropriately.
-
-*** Why This Matters
-
-- New documents need to be reviewed and filed
-- Unprocessed inbox items can contain important information
-- Helps maintain organized project structure
-- Ensures nothing gets missed
-
-*** Inbox Location
-
-Default inbox location: =./inbox/= (at project root)
-
-Some projects may have different locations - check NOTES.org or ask user on first session.
-
-*** How to Process
-
-1. **Check inbox directory:**
- #+begin_src bash
- ls -lh inbox/
- #+end_src
-
-2. **If inbox is empty:**
- - No action needed
- - Continue to Step 6
-
-3. **If inbox contains files:**
- - **Do NOT ask if user wants to process** - process is MANDATORY
- - Say: "I see X items in your inbox. Let me review them."
-
-4. **For each file in inbox:**
- - Read the file to understand content
- - Determine:
- - Who it's from (if applicable)
- - What it's about
- - What action should be taken
- - Consider project history and context
- - Recommend appropriate action:
- - File to =assets/emails/= if it's an email
- - File to =assets/= if it's a document/attachment
- - File to =docs/= if it's project documentation
- - Add TODO items if action is needed
- - Recommend appropriate filename:
- - Format: =YYYY-MM-DD-Source-Description.ext=
- - Example: =2025-11-14-Mark-Response-To-Settlement.txt=
- - Get user approval before filing
-
-5. **File the document:**
- - Move (not copy) from inbox to destination
- - Use approved filename
- - Update any relevant TODO items or event logs
-
-6. **Repeat for all inbox items** until inbox is empty
-
-*** Inbox Processing Workflow
-
-Some projects may have a specific inbox-zero workflow (e.g., =docs/workflows/danneel-inbox-zero.org=).
-
-If it exists:
-- Use that workflow instead of the generic process above
-- It may have project-specific filing conventions
-
-** Step 6: Ask About Priorities
-
-Determine what to work on this session.
-
-*** Why This Matters
-
-- User may have urgent work that takes priority
-- Prevents suggesting V2MOM tasks when there's a crisis
-- Gives user control over session direction
-- Enables following structured workflow if no urgent work
-
-*** How to Ask
-
-**Say to user:**
-
-"Is there something urgent you'd like to work on, or should we follow the what's-next workflow to identify priorities?"
-
-Wait for user response.
-
-*** If User Has Urgent Work
-
-- Proceed with the urgent work immediately
-- Skip what's-next workflow
-- Focus session on user's stated priority
-
-*** If User Says Follow What's-Next
-
-- Check if =docs/workflows/whats-next.org= exists
-- If yes: Execute that workflow
-- If no: Check if V2MOM exists and suggest working on top priority method
-- If no V2MOM: Offer to create one using create-v2mom workflow
-
-*** If User is Unsure
-
-Provide helpful context:
-- Remind them of Active Reminders (from Step 4)
-- Mention any Pending Decisions (from Step 4)
-- Reference recent session history (what was being worked on)
-- Suggest continuing previous work if it's unfinished
-
-** Session Start Complete
-
-Once all steps are done:
-- Claude has full context
-- User knows what's being worked on
-- Session can proceed productively
-
-Don't announce "session start complete" - just begin working on the chosen task.
-
-* Tips for Effective Session Starts
-
-** Template Sync
-
-1. **Don't panic about changes** - Most are improvements
-2. **Review carefully** - Understand what changed before applying
-3. **Project-specific workflows** - Don't overwrite if customized
-4. **Mention significant updates** - User should know about workflow improvements
-5. **First sync is clean** - No diff needed, just copy
-
-** Reading NOTES.org
-
-1. **Use line numbers** - More efficient than searching
-2. **Read in order** - Builds context progressively
-3. **Focus on Project-Specific Context** - This is the most important section
-4. **Surface reminders immediately** - Don't wait until later
-5. **Note interrupted sessions** - Helps recover from crashes
-
-** Inbox Processing
-
-1. **Be thorough** - Read files completely to understand context
-2. **Consider history** - Recommendations should fit project patterns
-3. **Suggest good filenames** - Use established conventions
-4. **Don't delete without asking** - User may want to review first
-5. **Update related systems** - Add TODOs, update event logs as needed
-
-** Priorities Discussion
-
-1. **Ask clearly** - Don't be vague about what's being offered
-2. **Respect urgency** - If user has crisis, drop everything else
-3. **Provide context** - Remind user of reminders and decisions
-4. **Don't assume** - Even if previous session had direction, ask
-5. **Be helpful** - If user is unsure, provide gentle guidance
-
-* Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
-1. **Reading entire NOTES.org file** - Wastes tokens on static content
-2. **Skipping template sync** - Miss important updates
-3. **Not checking for interrupted sessions** - Lose context from crashes
-4. **Forgetting to surface Active Reminders** - User misses critical items
-5. **Asking if user wants inbox processed** - It's mandatory, not optional
-6. **Processing inbox after asking about priorities** - Should be before
-7. **Not excluding NOTES.org from template diff** - Creates noise
-8. **Not excluding previous-session-history.org from diff** - Project-specific content
-9. **Announcing "session start complete"** - Just begin working
-10. **Reading full workflow files during scan** - Just note filenames
-
-* Validation Checklist
-
-Before considering session start complete, verify:
-
-- [ ] Checked for interrupted previous session (missing end timestamp)
-- [ ] Template sync executed (diff or first-time copy)
-- [ ] Template changes reviewed and applied if needed
-- [ ] Workflows directory scanned (filenames noted)
-- [ ] IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGY section read
-- [ ] User Information section read
-- [ ] Project-Specific Context section read (CRITICAL)
-- [ ] Active Reminders section read and surfaced to user
-- [ ] Pending Decisions section read and mentioned to user
-- [ ] Last 2-3 Session History entries read
-- [ ] Inbox checked for new files
-- [ ] Inbox processed (if contained files) or confirmed empty
-- [ ] Asked user about urgent work vs what's-next workflow
-- [ ] User has confirmed what to work on OR agreed to follow workflow
-- [ ] Ready to begin productive work
-
-* Meta Notes
-
-This workflow should evolve based on experience:
-
-- If session starts consistently miss something important, update the checklist
-- If reading NOTES.org sections takes too long, further optimize what's read
-- If template sync creates too much noise, refine what's excluded
-- Craig can modify this workflow at any time to better fit needs
-
-The goal is efficient session starts with full context, not rigid adherence to format.