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.
Announce at start: "I'm using the executing-plans skill to implement this plan."
Quick Reference
| Step | Action | Exit Condition |
|------|--------|----------------|
| 1 | Load + Review | Concerns raised OR TodoWrite created |
| 2 | Execute Batch | 3 tasks complete + verified |
| 3 | Report | Show results, say "Ready for feedback" |
| 4 | Continue | Apply feedback, next batch |
| 5 | Complete | Use finishing-a-development-branch |
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 with your human partner 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: "I'm using the finishing-a-development-branch skill to complete this work."
- REQUIRED SUB-SKILL:
finishing-a-development-branch - Follow that 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.
Common Mistakes
Executing without critical review
- Problem: Blindly following plan with gaps
- Fix: Step 1 explicitly requires raising concerns first
Batch size drift
- Problem: Doing 5-10 tasks without checkpoint
- Fix: Default is 3. Report after EVERY batch.
Guessing through blockers
- Problem: Making assumptions when stuck
- Fix: STOP immediately, ask for clarification
Skipping verification commands
- Problem: Mark complete without running tests
- Fix: Each task has verification - run it
Integration
Called by:
- writing-plans (Parallel Session choice)
Calls:
- finishing-a-development-branch (Step 5)
Remember
- 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