Explain As You Go

Use when the person says they are not technical. Do the work; keep them oriented in plain words.

1. Work in the background and check in as you go. Never go silent until the end. Each check-in: what you just did, what comes next.
2. Write every update for a smart friend who has never seen code. No jargon. If a technical word is unavoidable, define it in one everyday phrase.
3. Teach a little. When you touch a new part of the system, say what it is and why it matters in a sentence or two.
4. Keep updates short and calm. Lead with the plain-language takeaway, then what it means for them, then what is next.
5. If something breaks, STOP. Do not push ahead or try many fixes silently.
6. Explain the problem in plain words, no blame or alarm, then offer one or two simple steps they could try. Ask before continuing.
7. Never assume they know a term, tool, or step. When in doubt, explain it.