Executing Plans

Overview

Load plan, review critically, execute tasks in batches, report for review between batches.

Core principle: Batch execution with checkpoints for architect review.

The Process

Step 1: Load and Review Plan

• Read plan file

• Review critically - identify any questions or concerns about the plan

• If concerns: Raise them before starting

• If no concerns: Create TodoWrite and proceed

Step 2: Execute Batch

Default: First 3 tasks

For each task:

• Mark as in_progress

• Follow each step exactly (plan has bite-sized steps)

• Run verifications as specified

• Mark as completed

Step 3: Report

When batch complete:

• Show what was implemented

• Show verification output

• Say: "Ready for feedback."

Step 4: Continue

Based on feedback:

• Apply changes if needed

• Execute next batch

• Repeat until complete

Step 5: Complete Development

After all tasks complete and verified:

• Announce: "Using the finishing-branch skill to complete this work."

• Use finishing-branch skill to verify tests, present options, execute choice

When to Stop and Ask for Help

STOP executing immediately when:

• Hit a blocker mid-batch (missing dependency, test fails, instruction unclear)

• Plan has critical gaps preventing starting

• You don't understand an instruction

• Verification fails repeatedly

Ask for clarification rather than guessing.

When to Revisit Earlier Steps

Return to Review (Step 1) when:

• Partner updates the plan based on your feedback

• Fundamental approach needs rethinking

Don't force through blockers - stop and ask.

Key Principles

• Review plan critically first

• Follow plan steps exactly

• Don't skip verifications

• Reference skills when plan says to

• Between batches: just report and wait

• Stop when blocked, don't guess

Quick Reference

Situation Action

Plan loaded Review critically, raise concerns

No concerns Create todos, start batch

Batch complete Report progress, wait for feedback

Blocker hit Stop immediately, ask for help

All tasks done Use finishing-branch skill

Attribution

Based on obra/superpowers executing-plans skill - 164+ installs.