How to write a handoff note when the next person starts tomorrow

A handoff note for someone starting tomorrow should prioritize current state, next irreversible action, and known risks over a full history of the project.

The receiver usually does not need every chat thread first. They need to know what changed since the last stable point, what must happen next, what can wait, and what would cause a bad outcome if missed. A long archive without priority forces the receiver to rebuild judgment under time pressure.

Use five sections. Current state: the latest true version of the work. Next action: the first thing the receiver should do. Watch-outs: risks, dependencies, customer promises, or deadlines. Open questions: decisions that are not resolved. Links: only the few documents needed to act, with a sentence explaining why each link matters.

If a decision is pending, say who can make it and what information they need. If there is a deadline, say whether it is real, flexible, or only preferred. If a customer or partner is waiting, include the promised response time and the channel. These details prevent the receiver from treating every item as equally urgent.

The note should also say what not to do. Do not send the partner email until legal reviews section two. Do not merge the spreadsheet until the finance number is confirmed. Negative instructions are useful when the wrong action is easy and costly.

A good handoff makes the next morning boring: the receiver can start with the first safe action instead of hunting through old context.

How to write a handoff note when the next person starts tomorrow

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