I have an agent write a file with this template each run:

```markdown # Run NNNN

## First Impressions [What state is the project in? What did the last agent leave?]

## Plan [What will you work on this iteration? Why?]

## Work Log [Fill this in as you work]

## Discoveries [What did you learn? What surprised you? What should the next agent know?]

## Summary [Fill this in before committing] ```

This is surprisingly effective and lets agents easily continue in progress work and understand past decisions.