The parts of a workflow

Checks

A check is a plain question asked about a step’s result. If the answer is no, the step runs again or the workflow stops and flags the problem. Any kind of check can be run by a second look by the AI.

The stepThe checkNext stepNot good:try again
The step
A step hands back its work.

A real example

The checks in this template

From the template: Review a draft before you send it
  1. After "Substance pass"Each claim is marked sourced or unsourced. A plain rule. If it fails, run the step again (the n8n file does this for you).
  2. After "Ranked fix list"Each fix is rated must, should or nice. A plain rule. If it fails, run the step again (the n8n file does this for you).
  3. At the endEvery quoted place is really in the draft. A plain rule. If it fails, it is flagged for you.
  4. At the endThe must fixes are truly must. A second look by the AI. If it fails, run the step again (the n8n file does this for you).
  5. At the endYou agree with the top fixes. You check this one. If it fails, it is flagged for you.

The four kinds of checks

  1. 1Compare to the sourceNumbers, names and quotes must match what you gave it.
  2. 2ChecklistYes or no items: is every part there, in the right shape?
  3. 3Scoring guideRate it against what good looks like, with the evidence.
  4. 4A person looksThe points where your judgment has to come in.

Templates that use this part

  1. Write a summary of a long document5 checks, such as: Every number is in the document; The summary is 300 words or fewer.
  2. Draft three versions and pick the best7 checks, such as: All three versions are there; Every rating is strong, partly or weak.
  3. Check whether a draft reads like AI, and fix it6 checks, such as: Every quote is really in the draft; No number was added or changed.
  4. Review a draft before you send it5 checks, such as: Each claim is marked sourced or unsourced; Each fix is rated must, should or nice.
  5. Turn meeting notes into decisions and actions5 checks, such as: Every item quotes its note; Every action has an owner and a date, or is flagged.
  6. Find themes in comments or interview notes7 checks, such as: Every quote is really in the comments; Every theme names its comments.
  7. Scope a job before you start7 checks, such as: Each piece is marked stated or assumed; Each decision is in, out or later.
  8. Hand off a task to someone else5 checks, such as: Each piece is hand over, keep or decide first; The list of removed items is there.
  9. Compare options and get a recommendation8 checks, such as: Every number comes from the options; Each factor is marked tie or differs.
  10. Build your "how I like work done" file7 checks, such as: Every rule has a reason and a test; Each rule is marked yes or no.