Fix It, Never Work Around It

Critical Rules

🚨 Rule 1: Follow the prescribed process exactly. If a step in the process fails, fix the root cause. Never skip, replace, or approximate the step. If you don't fix it, the problem recurs and all subsequent work is compromised. This does not apply to expected failures like TDD red phase — a failing test is the process working correctly.

Example: The code review subagent failed. ❌ "I'll review my own code and push." ✅ Fix why the subagent failed.

🚨 Rule 2: Follow instructions exactly. If a tool or command doesn't produce the expected result and there is no obvious alternative that produces the exact same result, stop immediately. Fix the root cause or ask for help. Never fabricate, approximate, or substitute.

Example: API authentication failed. ❌ "I'll define some likely values instead." ✅ Fix the authentication or ask the user.

Workaround Detection

If you catch yourself using any of these phrases, you are about to workaround. STOP.