1. Objective
This SOP governs the daily morning check-in message — the brief, structured communication sent to your executive each morning before beginning reactive work. The morning check-in is one of the highest-leverage communications you send each day. Done well, it shows your executive that you're oriented, proactive, and already handling what needs to be handled. Done poorly — or skipped — it signals that you're in reactive mode and waiting to be directed.
Where this SOP starts: Each morning, after completing the daily priority sweep [SOP-CEA-FOUND-03] and before beginning task execution.
Where this SOP ends: When the message is sent and your executive has acknowledged it (or you've begun working without needing a response).Success looks like: Your executive reads your morning check-in and immediately knows what's on your radar, what you're handling, and what — if anything — they need to respond to. They start their day with less to think about, not more.
2. Your Role & Boundaries
2a. What you handle independently
- Sending the morning check-in every work day, without exception
- Completing the priority sweep first so the check-in reflects accurate, current information
- Keeping the message brief and relevant — not overwhelming
- Updating the format based on your executive's feedback about what they find most useful
2b. What requires executive approval before acting
- Flagging something in the check-in that requires an immediate decision from your executive
- Acting on any item that is outside your authority before they respond
2c. What you never do
- You never send the check-in without completing the priority sweep first
- You never dump your full task list into the check-in — that is not its purpose
- You never ask more than one question in the check-in
- You never use the check-in to transfer responsibility for things you should be handling
3. The Morning Check-In Structure
The morning check-in has four possible elements. Every message should include at least elements 1 and 2. Include 3 and 4 only when relevant.
Element 1: Greeting + time anchor
Brief, professional. Sets the tone. One line only.
"Good morning —"
Element 2: What's on your radar today
2–3 items maximum. Only items your executive should know about:
- Time-sensitive items that need their awareness or action
- Items you're actively handling on their behalf today
- Anything they mentioned yesterday that you're now acting on
"(1) Confirming your 2 PM call with Marcus — invitation sent. (2) The Henderson proposal is ready for your review when you have 10 minutes. (3) I'm working through inbox triage and will have a summary by end of day."
Element 3: One question (optional — only if genuinely needed)
One question maximum. If you have multiple questions, pick the most time-sensitive one. Others go in a separate message later.
"Any priorities from your side I should know about before I dig in?"
Element 4: Warm closing (optional)
Brief. Professional. Only if it fits the relationship dynamic.
4. Message Templates
Standard morning check-in
Good morning — a few things on my radar today:
(1) [Time-sensitive item or action you're handling]
(2) [Item they need to know about]
(3) [Optional third item — only include if relevant]
[Optional single question if needed]
High-activity day
Good morning — busy morning on deck:
(1) [Urgent item being handled]
(2) [Key deliverable status]
(3) [Calendar note if relevant]
Nothing needs your attention right now — I'll flag if that changes.
Quiet morning
Good morning — light day on my radar. Your [time]-[time] block is protected. I'll be working through [recurring task or specific item]. Anything you need from me first?
When there's something they need to act on
Good morning — one thing that needs your attention today:
[Brief description of the item and what you need from them]
I'll handle everything else — let me know on [item] when you get a chance.
5. What the Morning Check-In Is NOT
It is not a status report. Don't list everything you're working on.
It is not a task dump. Don't use it to surface things that don't require your executive's awareness today.
It is not a request for direction. You should already know what you're doing. The check-in confirms you're oriented — it doesn't ask to be told what to do.
It is not a test of how busy you look. Shorter is better if there's less that truly needs to surface. A three-line check-in is better than a seven-item one.
6. Timing and Frequency
Timing: Send within the first 30 minutes of your work day, after completing your priority sweep.
If your executive is in a different time zone: Send when your day begins, not when theirs does. They'll see it when they're ready.
Frequency: Every work day. No exceptions. If you're out, let your executive know in advance — don't simply not send it.
Channel: Use whatever channel your executive prefers for daily communication. Confirm this in the Client Setup Worksheet. Most prefer email or Slack for the morning check-in.
7. Adjusting the Format Over Time
In the first week, the check-in establishes the rhythm. After two to four weeks, ask your executive:
- "Is the morning check-in helpful as-is, or would you prefer it shorter/longer/structured differently?"
- "Is the channel working for you, or would you prefer [alternative]?"
Adjust based on their feedback and document the preferred format in the Executive Profile document [SOP-CEA-FOUND-04].
8. Escalation Protocol
If your morning check-in surfaces an urgent item that needs an immediate decision, flag it explicitly:
Good morning — one urgent item before I dig in:
[Brief situation description]
My recommendation is [X] — shall I proceed?
Do not bury urgent items in the middle of a routine check-in. They belong at the top, labeled clearly.
9. Tools & Access
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| [Email or Slack] | Morning check-in delivery channel |
| [Task manager] | Source for today's priority items |
| [Calendar platform] | Calendar review for check-in content |
10. Changelog
| Date | Notes |
|---|---|
| April 2026 | Initial release |