Context files are the difference between Claude being a generic chatbot and Claude being your actual business partner. Without context, every conversation starts from zero. With context files loaded into your Claude Context folder, Claude already knows who you are, how your business works, and what you are optimizing for before you say a single word.
This module walks you through creating the three foundational context files that every Cowork user should have.
I advise combining all these context folder files into a document and using them for for your instructions section of Claude as a master prompt!
(also I created a skill in Claude called Jack’s Assistant where I added that instruction as well and it can use that skill to access my preferences)
Inside your Claude-Context folder (which you created in Module 1), you have a subfolder called exec-context. This is where your personal and leadership files live. Think of these as the files that answer the question: "Who am I talking to?"
There are three files to create here:
This is the most important file in your entire setup. It tells Claude who you are, what you do, how you think, and how you want to be communicated with.
What to include:
Your name, title, and role. If you run multiple businesses or wear multiple hats, list them all. Claude needs to know the full picture so it can route advice correctly.
Your communication preferences. Are you a "give me the short version" person or a "walk me through the details" person? Do you prefer bullet points or paragraphs? Do you want Claude to ask clarifying questions or just make reasonable assumptions and execute? Write it down. Claude will follow it.
Your daily rhythm. When do you work? When is family time? When do you do deep work vs. meetings? This helps Claude understand urgency and timing when managing your calendar or prioritizing tasks.
Your team. Who reports to you? Who do you delegate to? What does each person own? When you say "send this to Sarah," Claude should know who Sarah is and what she does.
Your tools and tech stack. What project management tool do you use? What CRM? What communication platform? List everything so Claude knows where to route tasks and pull information.
Your values and mission. If your business is driven by a specific purpose or set of values, include them. This shapes how Claude frames recommendations, writes content on your behalf, and makes judgment calls.
Example structure:
# About Me
## Identity
- Name: [Your name]
- Role: CEO of [Company]
- Location: [City, State]
## Communication Style
- I want short, direct answers. No fluff.
- Default to action — if you have enough info to do something, do it.
- Never ask more than one clarifying question at a time.
## Daily Rhythm
- Deep work: 7-9am
- Meetings: 9am-12pm
- Operations: 1-5pm
- Family time: 5:30-7:30pm (do not schedule anything here)
## My Team
- [Name] — COO, owns operations and finance
- [Name] — EA, manages my calendar and task routing
- [Name] — Marketing lead, owns content and campaigns
## Tools
- ClickUp for task management
- Slack for team communication
- Google Calendar for scheduling
- [CRM name] for lead tracking
## Values
- [Your mission or purpose statement]
- [Core values that drive decisions]
Do not overthink this. Write it in plain language. You can always refine it later — the key is getting something in place so Claude has a baseline.
This file teaches Claude how to write like you. Every business owner communicates differently, and if you are going to have Claude draft emails, social posts, blog content, or client messages on your behalf, it needs to understand your voice.
What to include: