using-superpowers

Invoke the Skill tool before every user-facing reply to apply relevant skills.

Updated Feb 11, 2016

Search Tags:#workflow #skill-tool #prompt-safety #invoke-skill #agent-guardrails #conversational-control

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/Ehrax/dotfiles --skill using-superpowers-ehrax

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: using-superpowers
Source: https://github.com/Ehrax/dotfiles/tree/main/configs/agents/skills/using-superpowers
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Ehrax/dotfiles --skill using-superpowers-ehrax

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Ensures conversations consistently start with a skill assessment by invoking the Skill tool before any user-facing reply, including clarifying questions.

Core Features & Use Cases

Enforces skill invocation before every reply to align behavior with user instructions and platform capabilities.
Respects user directives first, then Superpowers skills, and finally the default system prompt to determine response strategy.
Use Case: when a user asks for a capability that a skill can provide, the agent automatically activates the relevant skill and follows its guidance.

Quick Start

Invoke the Skill tool at the start of a conversation to verify applicable skills and set the correct operating mode for the session.

Frequently Asked Questions about using-superpowers

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I ensure an AI agent invokes the correct skill before replying to a user?▼

To ensure an agent invokes the correct skill before replying, you must enforce a workflow that calls the Skill tool at the start of every conversation to verify applicable skills and set the correct operating mode before generating any user-facing output.

What is skill invocation workflow and why is it needed in conversational AI?▼

Skill invocation workflow is the process of checking for relevant skills before generating a response. It is needed to align agent behavior with user instructions, apply guardrails, and delegate tasks correctly from the very beginning of an interaction.

Can I override agent behavior if a specific skill is already active?▼

Yes, you can override agent behavior. The system respects user directives first, then Superpowers skills, and finally the default system prompt to determine the response strategy, allowing behavior overrides when a relevant skill exists.

Does the agent need to invoke a skill before asking clarifying questions?▼

Yes, the agent must invoke a skill before asking clarifying questions. The skill assessment happens before any user-facing reply, ensuring that even initial clarifications follow the correct operating mode and guardrails.

What are the limitations of automated skill invocation in conversational control?▼

The limitation is that it requires a defined skill to exist for the invocation to be effective; without frontmatter presence, exact skill naming, and a defined workflow, the agent cannot automatically activate the relevant guidance.