Task Dependencies: Managing Complex Project Relationships

Why Task Sequence Matters

Imagine starting to paint walls before the drywall is up. Or launching a marketing campaign before the product is ready. Some work simply can't happen out of order.

While TaskLemon doesn't use formal dependency graphs, it gives you powerful tools to manage task relationships through visual workflows, status columns, and strategic planning.

Using Kanban Columns for Dependencies

Your Kanban board structure creates natural workflow dependencies. When you set up columns like "Backlog → Ready → In Progress → Review → Done," you're defining the flow tasks must follow.

Example workflow:

• Design task moves to "Done"
• Development task can now move from "Backlog" to "Ready"
• Team pulls it into "In Progress" when capacity allows

The column structure shows at a glance what's blocking what. If development tasks are piling up in "Ready," you know design is moving faster than development capacity.

Status-Based Dependencies

In TaskLemon, you create custom statuses that match your workflow. These statuses represent stages in your process, and moving through them represents progress.

For sequential work:

• "Waiting for Design" status signals a blocker
• "Ready for Development" means prerequisites are complete
• "Blocked" status with a comment explains what's needed

Your status structure becomes your dependency map. Everyone sees which stage each task is in and what needs to happen next.

Priority and Due Dates for Critical Path

The critical path is the sequence of tasks that determines your project's timeline. If any critical task slips, the whole project slips.

In TaskLemon, use priorities strategically:

• Critical: Must complete on time—project depends on it
• High: Important but has some flexibility
• Medium/Low: Can slip without project impact

Set due dates on sequential tasks with realistic buffers. If Task A takes 3 days, don't schedule dependent Task B to start on day 4. Give yourself cushion for the unexpected.

Visual Workflow Dependencies

TaskLemon's Kanban board makes dependencies visible through positioning:

• Tasks in "Done" unblock work in "Ready"
• Bottlenecks show as column pile-ups
• Empty columns signal capacity issues
• Task ordering within columns shows sequence

Drag tasks to reorder them within a column. Top tasks are next up. Bottom tasks wait their turn. This simple positioning communicates priority and sequence.

Communication via Comments and Assignments

When you complete work that unblocks others, don't wait for them to notice. Use TaskLemon's built-in communication:

Move the task to "Done" and:

• Comment on the dependent task: "@developer Design complete, ready for development"
• Assign the next task to the right person
• Update task descriptions with outputs and context

Clear communication prevents tasks from sitting in "Ready" because nobody knew they were unblocked.

Planning Task Sequence in Your CoreHub

Before starting a project in your CoreHub:

1. Map the workflow: What stages will tasks go through?

2. Create matching statuses: Make your Kanban columns match real workflow stages

3. Plan task order: Break work into properly sequenced chunks

4. Set realistic dates: Account for handoffs and review cycles

5. Assign clearly: Everyone knows what they're responsible for

Practical Examples

Website Launch:

• Backlog: Design mockups → Client approval
• Ready: Development → Content creation
• In Progress: Testing
• Review: Staging review
• Done: Launch

Product Feature:

• Requirements gathering → Technical design (Done)
• Database changes → API development (Ready)
• Frontend development (Waiting)
• Testing → Deploy (Future)

Each status transition represents prerequisite work completing. The board shows exactly where everything stands.

Avoiding Bottlenecks

Watch for columns that fill up while others stay empty. This signals a bottleneck—work is getting stuck at that stage.

When you spot bottlenecks:

• Can you parallelize work differently?
• Do you need more capacity at that stage?
• Are tasks properly sized or too large?
• Is the handoff process clear?

Your Kanban board provides real-time feedback about workflow health. Use it.

Tools Help, Planning Matters More

TaskLemon gives you the structure—Kanban boards, custom statuses, priorities, comments, and assignments. But these tools don't replace thoughtful planning.

Take time upfront to map your workflow, create appropriate statuses, and plan task sequence. Then let your CoreHub's project boards make those relationships visible and trackable.

When everyone understands the workflow stages and sees the board state, projects flow smoothly and surprises decrease dramatically.