Executing Plans

Overview

Load plan, review critically, execute all tasks, report when complete.

When to Use

Use this skill when you already have a written implementation plan and want to execute it in a separate session with explicit review checkpoints.

Announce at start: "I'm using the executing-plans skill to implement this plan."

Note: This workflow is stronger in environments with isolated-task support. If the current environment offers a more advanced worker-based execution workflow, prefer that option over this linear fallback.

Core Workflow

Step 1: Load and Review Plan

1. Read plan file
2. Review critically - identify any questions or concerns about the plan
3. If concerns: Raise them with your human partner before starting
4. If no concerns: Create TodoWrite and proceed

Step 2: Execute Tasks

For each task:

1. Mark as in_progress
2. Follow each step exactly (plan has bite-sized steps)
3. Run verifications as specified
4. Mark as completed

Step 3: Complete Development

After all tasks complete and verified:

• Announce that you are moving into final verification and delivery
• Run the project's normal finish workflow: tests, validation, summary, and delivery options
• If the current host provides a dedicated finishing workflow, use it

When to Stop and Ask for Help

STOP executing immediately when:

• Hit a blocker (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.

Remember

• Review plan critically first
• Follow plan steps exactly
• Don't skip verifications
• Reference skills when plan says to
• Stop when blocked, don't guess
• Never start implementation on main/master branch without explicit user consent

Integration

Related workflow skills or processes:

• An isolated workspace workflow, if your host or team uses one
• A planning workflow that creates the written plan this skill executes
• A finishing workflow for tests, validation, and delivery

Examples

Use the examples and snippets already present in this document whenever they apply to the task.

Best Practices

Follow the constraints, conventions, and cautions documented below, and prefer the documented path over improvisation.

References

Use any linked scripts, assets, reference files, and companion resources mentioned in this document.