Gmail Workflow Skill

Companion skill for the Gmail MCP server. Provides structured workflows for common email operations including drafting, triaging, searching, and draft management.

Available MCP Tools

This skill coordinates the following Gmail MCP tools:

• gmail_search_messages — Search messages by query (supports Gmail search syntax)
• gmail_read_message — Read full message content by ID
• gmail_read_thread — Read an entire email thread by thread ID
• gmail_create_draft — Create a new draft email
• gmail_list_labels — List all labels in the account
• gmail_list_drafts — List existing draft emails
• gmail_get_profile — Get the authenticated user's profile

Instructions

Drafting Emails

1. Confirm the recipient, subject, and intent with the user before composing.
2. Use gmail_get_profile to identify the sender's address for context.
3. Compose the email body in a professional tone unless otherwise instructed.
4. Use gmail_create_draft to save the email as a draft.
5. Present the full draft to the user for review — include To, Subject, and Body.
6. Never send an email directly. Always save as draft and let the user send manually.

Triaging Inbox

1. Use gmail_search_messages with is:unread (or a user-specified query) to fetch recent messages.
2. For each message, use gmail_read_message to retrieve the subject, sender, and snippet.
3. Categorise messages into groups:
   • Urgent — time-sensitive or from key contacts
   • Action required — needs a reply or follow-up
   • Informational — newsletters, notifications, FYI
   • Low priority — marketing, promotions, automated
4. Present the categorised summary to the user with recommended actions (reply, archive, label).
5. If the user wants to act on a message, use the appropriate tool (e.g., gmail_create_draft for a reply).

Searching Messages

1. Clarify the search intent with the user — sender, subject, date range, keywords.
2. Construct a Gmail search query using standard operators:
   • from:, to:, subject:, has:attachment, after:, before:, is:unread
3. Use gmail_search_messages with the constructed query.
4. If results are returned, summarise them in a table: Sender, Subject, Date, Snippet.
5. Offer to read full messages via gmail_read_message or threads via gmail_read_thread.

Managing Drafts

1. Use gmail_list_drafts to retrieve all existing drafts.
2. Present drafts with their subject, recipient, and snippet.
3. Offer to update or discard drafts as needed.
4. When updating, use gmail_create_draft with the revised content.

Error Handling

Examples

"Draft a follow-up email to Sarah about the project proposal"

1. Search for recent messages from Sarah about the proposal using gmail_search_messages.
2. Read the relevant thread for context via gmail_read_thread.
3. Compose a follow-up draft referencing the prior conversation.
4. Save via gmail_create_draft and present for review.

"Find all unread emails about the quarterly report"

1. Run gmail_search_messages with query is:unread subject:quarterly report.
2. Summarise results with sender, date, and snippet.
3. Offer to read any specific message in full.

"Triage my inbox"

1. Fetch unread messages via gmail_search_messages with is:unread.
2. Read each message's content.
3. Categorise and present a prioritised summary.
4. Ask the user which messages to act on.

Important

• Never send emails without explicit user confirmation. Always save as draft first.
• Always show the full draft (recipient, subject, body) before the user decides to send.
• Respect privacy. Do not log, store, or summarise email content beyond the current session.
• Do not modify or delete existing emails — this skill is for reading, searching, and drafting only.
• Verify the account via gmail_get_profile at the start of a session to ensure the correct account is active.