Agent Skills: Task Direction Approval

Task Direction Approval

Overview

This skill prevents unauthorized direction changes by forcing explicit user consent before deviating from the original requirements.

Use when...

• Switching from the original tech/library to alternatives
• Replacing an automated approach with a manual workaround
• Changing architecture or design patterns
• Delivering different results than requested

Symptoms / keywords

• “can’t use X”, “let’s switch to Y”, “workaround”, “manual”, “different approach”, “alternative library”, “rewrite”, “change architecture”

Communication protocol (template)

❌ Wrong Response:

"GraphQL Codegen failed, so I'll define types manually instead."

✅ Correct Response:

"GraphQL Codegen failed due to authentication error. Options available:

1. Add authentication headers
2. Try different endpoint
3. Download schema file directly Which approach would you prefer?"

Minimal workflow

1. Explain the failure root cause clearly (what failed, why it failed, evidence).
2. Present 2-3 viable options with trade-offs (speed, risk, maintenance, correctness).
3. Ask for explicit user choice.
4. Only proceed after approval.

Notes

• Use investigation-mode when there are repeated failures or the situation is unclear.