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