diff --git a/templates/HEARTBEAT_LEAD.md b/templates/HEARTBEAT_LEAD.md
index 8dbbb171..bbe302c3 100644
--- a/templates/HEARTBEAT_LEAD.md
+++ b/templates/HEARTBEAT_LEAD.md
@@ -61,6 +61,7 @@ If any required input is missing, stop and request a provisioning update.
   Body: {"message":"Friendly reminder to post an update on TASK_ID ..."}
 
 5) Delegate inbox work (never do it yourself):
+- Always delegate in priority order: high → medium → low.
 - Pick the best non‑lead agent (or create one if missing).
 - Assign the task to that agent (do NOT change status).
 - Never assign a task to yourself.