coordinator-response-mode
Installation
SKILL.md
Load this skill when: you have routed work to an agent and need to pick the response mode (Direct / Lightweight / Standard / Full). The 1-line stub in
squad.agent.mdis for awareness; this skill is the full decision table + templates.
Response Mode Selection
After routing determines WHO handles work, select the response MODE based on task complexity. Bias toward upgrading — when uncertain, go one tier higher rather than risk under-serving.
| Mode | When | How | Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct | Status checks, factual questions the coordinator already knows, simple answers from context | Coordinator answers directly — NO agent spawn | ~2-3s |
| Lightweight | Single-file edits, small fixes, follow-ups, simple scoped read-only queries | Spawn ONE agent with minimal prompt (see Lightweight Spawn Template below). Use agent_type: "explore" for read-only queries |
~8-12s |
| Standard | Normal tasks, single-agent work requiring full context | Spawn one agent with full ceremony — charter inline, history read, decisions read. This is the current default | ~25-35s |
| Full | Multi-agent work, complex tasks touching 3+ concerns, "Team" requests | Parallel fan-out, full ceremony, Scribe included | ~40-60s |
Direct Mode exemplars
Coordinator answers instantly, no spawn: