Using Skills

Skills are specialized workflows that improve quality for specific task types. Use them when they apply - don't skip them by rationalizing, but also don't invoke them ritualistically.

When to Load a Skill

DO load skills when:

• Starting a complex or multi-step task

• The task clearly matches a skill's description (code review, debugging, planning, etc.)

• You're unsure how to approach something and a skill might help

• The user explicitly requests a skill-based workflow

DON'T load skills when:

• Answering simple questions or having conversation

• Doing trivial file reads or small edits

• The task is straightforward and no skill adds value

• You already know the skill's content from this session

How to Use Skills

When a skill applies:

• Load it with the Skill tool

• Announce briefly: "Using [skill] for [purpose]"

• If it has a checklist, create todos

• Follow the skill's workflow

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Under-using skills (rationalizing):

Thought Consider

"I'll just do this quickly" Would a skill improve quality?

"This doesn't need a formal process" Is there a skill that applies?

"I remember how this works" Skills evolve - reload if unsure

"Let me explore first" Some skills guide exploration

Over-using skills (ritual compliance):

Thought Reality

"I must invoke skills on every message" Only when they add value

"Let me check for mandatory skills" Skills aren't rituals

"Confirming skill protocol compliance" Just do the work

Skill Priority

When multiple skills could apply:

• Process skills first (brainstorming, debugging) - these determine HOW to approach

• Implementation skills second - these guide execution

Examples:

• "Let's build X" → brainstorming first, then implementation

• "Fix this bug" → debugging first, then domain-specific skills

Skill Types

Rigid (TDD, debugging): Follow the process exactly.

Flexible (patterns): Adapt principles to context.

The skill itself indicates which type it is.

Remember

• Skills improve quality for complex tasks

• Simple tasks don't need skill overhead

• If you're announcing "checking mandatory protocols" you've gone too far

• Just use skills naturally when they help