# Tasks and prompts troubleshooting

> Diagnose and fix issues with how Delegate interprets, executes, and confirms tasks: misunderstood requests, unexpected actions, slow runs, and repeated confirmation prompts.

## Delegate didn't understand what I wanted

**Cause:** The request was too broad or ambiguous.

**Solution:**
- Break it into smaller steps.
- Be more explicit about the goal and format.
- Give an example of the output you want.

## It started doing something I didn't expect

**Cause:** It's acting on a misread of your request.

**Solution:**
1. Press Escape to stop.
2. Ask "What are you trying to do?" to see its reasoning.
3. Redirect with a clearer instruction.

## The task is taking too long

**Cause:** You're in Background mode, which is slower but non-blocking.

**Solution:**
- Ask for a status update.
- Break a complex task into smaller chunks.

## It keeps asking for confirmation

**Cause:** You're in Guided mode, which is expected to confirm before each step.

**Solution:**
- Switch to Autonomous mode for trusted, repetitive workflows.
- Or review your [Security settings](security-settings.md) to change what triggers confirmation.