Using Skills Effectively

Mandatory First-Response Protocol

Before responding to any user request:

1. ☐ Mentally enumerate available skills.
2. ☐ Ask: “Does ANY skill match this task?”
3. ☐ If yes → Use the Skill tool to read/run it (do not rely on memory).
4. ☐ Announce: “I’m using [Skill Name] to …”.
5. ☐ Follow the skill exactly (brainstorming before coding, etc.).

Skipping this checklist is automatic failure.

Critical Rules

1. Mandatory workflows – Brainstorming before coding, TDD, verification, etc. Instructions about WHAT to do never override HOW defined by skills.
2. Execute via Skill tool – Always load the latest file; skills evolve.