---
name: spark-recipe-delegate-and-track
description: >-
  Assign emails to teammates with context and track delegation status.
metadata:
  version: 1.0.0
  requires:
    skills:
      - use-spark
    accessLevel: triage
---

# Recipe: Delegate and Track

Assign emails to teammates with context, set due dates, and track delegation status to completion.

**Prerequisite:** Read the `use-spark` base skill for command reference and filter syntax.

**Access level required:** triage.

## Steps

### Step 1: Review the team

```bash
spark team "Team Name"
```

See who's available and their current assignment load.

### Step 2: Identify items to delegate

```bash
spark emails Inbox --filter "category:personal is:unread"
```

Or for shared inbox items:

```bash
spark emails shared@company.com:Inbox --filter "assigned_to:unassigned"
```

### Step 3: Read before delegating

```bash
spark thread <id>
```

Understand the context so you can write a meaningful assignment comment.

### Step 4: Assign with context

```bash
spark action assign <id> --assignee bob@co.com --comment "Customer needs API key rotation, your area of expertise"
```

For time-sensitive items, add a due date:

```bash
spark action assign <id> --assignee bob@co.com --date 2026-04-10 --comment "Needs response by Friday"
```

### Step 5: Track your delegations

```bash
spark emails --filter "assigned_by:me"
```

Review the list of items you've delegated. Check progress periodically.

### Step 6: Complete or reopen

When a delegation is done:

```bash
spark action delegationComplete <id>
```

If more work is needed:

```bash
spark action delegationReopen <id>
```

## Tips

- Always include a `--comment` when assigning - it saves the assignee from having to re-read the entire thread.
- Check `spark team` for the assignment summary before delegating to avoid overloading one person.
- Use `--date` for items with real deadlines - it creates visibility for the assignee.
- Run `spark emails --filter "assigned_by:me"` daily to monitor your delegation pipeline.
- Complete delegations promptly to keep the tracking view clean.