Executing Plans

Overview

Load plan, review critically, execute tasks in batches, report for review between batches.

Core principle: Batch execution with checkpoints for architect review.

The Process

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 before starting
4. If no concerns: Create TodoWrite and proceed

Step 2: Execute Batch

Default: First 3 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: Report

When batch complete:

• Show what was implemented
• Show verification output
• Say: “Ready for feedback.”

Step 4: Continue

Based on feedback:

• Apply changes if needed
• Execute next batch
• Repeat until complete

Step 5: Complete Development

After all tasks complete and verified:

• Announce: “Using the finishing-branch skill to complete this work.”
• Use finishing-branch skill to verify tests, present options, execute choice

When to Stop and Ask for Help

STOP executing immediately when:

• Hit a blocker mid-batch (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.

Key Principles

• Review plan critically first
• Follow plan steps exactly
• Don’t skip verifications
• Reference skills when plan says to
• Between batches: just report and wait
• Stop when blocked, don’t guess

Quick Reference

Attribution

Based on obra/superpowers executing-plans skill – 164+ installs.