> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.lancey.ai/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Watcher agent > Monitor and guide tasks to completion with Lancey's Watcher agent feature. ## Overview The Watcher agent is a Lancey feature that assigns an AI agent to monitor your tasks and provide intelligent nudges to keep them progressing, just like a human would. This allows you to work on more things simultaneously while your agent ensures tasks move forward efficiently. Watcher agent is assigned to every task by default, giving your team more bandwidth to focus on high-level decisions while agents handle the execution details. ## How it works Once a Watcher agent is assigned to a task, it continuously: * **Monitors progress** - Tracks task execution and identifies blockers * **Detects issues** - Identifies when a task gets stuck or encounters problems * **Provides nudges** - Suggests next steps or adjustments to keep momentum * **Maintains context** - Keeps track of task history and requirements * **Adapts dynamically** - Adjusts approach based on task progress and results This creates a more human-like workflow where an agent actively helps move work forward rather than just executing a single planned path. ## Key features Assigned by default to every new task you create Watches task progress and identifies when intervention is needed Suggests course corrections and next steps in real-time Easily unassign or reassign agents as needed ## Managing Watcher agent ### Viewing assignment status When you open a task, the **Properties panel** on the right side of the screen shows whether a Watcher agent is currently assigned to the task. ### Unassigning Watcher agent If you want to disable the Watcher agent for a specific task: Navigate to a task you want to modify Look at the right-hand side of the screen for the Properties panel Click the **Unassign** button next to the Watcher agent Confirm the action when prompted ### Reassigning Watcher agent To re-enable Watcher agent on a task that has been unassigned: 1. Open the task 2. Look in the Properties panel for an **Assign Watcher agent** option 3. Click to reassign a new agent to monitor the task ## When to use Watcher agent Use Watcher agent in these scenarios: * **Complex tasks** - Keep complex, multi-step tasks on track automatically * **Low-priority work** - Let agents handle routine tasks while you focus on important decisions * **High volume** - Manage more tasks simultaneously with agent assistance * **Uncertain requirements** - Agent can adapt when requirements shift during execution ## When to unassign Watcher agent Consider unassigning Watcher agent when: * You need full manual control over task execution * The task is simple and doesn't need monitoring * You're running experiments that require precise, non-adaptive behavior * You want to review and approve each step before the agent proceeds * You're working with sensitive or high-risk changes ## Best practices Let Watcher agents handle standard fixes and improvements. This frees your team to focus on strategic decisions and complex problems. For critical or sensitive tasks, consider unassigning the Watcher agent to maintain tighter control and require explicit approvals at each step. Pair Watcher agent with Auto Processing for a fully autonomous workflow that monitors and executes tasks with minimal human intervention. Check the task history to see how Watcher agent guided the task. Use this insight to refine your auto-processing rules and task instructions. Establish team guidelines about when Watcher agents should be assigned or unassigned based on task type, complexity, and risk level. ## Troubleshooting Verify that: * The Watcher agent is still assigned in the Properties panel * Your task instructions are clear and specific * The agent has sufficient context about the issue * Your AI model configuration is set up correctly Try: * Checking the task history to see what the agent attempted * Reviewing error messages or logs for specific blockers * Providing additional context or clarification to the task * Manually unassigning and reassigning a fresh agent When you unassign a Watcher agent, a new agent will be automatically assigned on next task update. All Watcher agents have the same capabilities, so you're not selecting between different types. Review the task history and activity log to see: * Actions the agent suggested * Changes it made or attempted * Course corrections it provided * Any errors it encountered ## Next steps Create new tasks and let Watcher agent manage them Learn how to update and refine your tasks Combine with auto-processing for fully autonomous workflows Connect more sources for Watcher agent to monitor Questions about Watcher agent? Reach out via the livechat widget on our platform for quick support or [schedule a call](https://cal.com/pateladi/support) with our team.