# Agent Task Shaping

> Shape ambiguous or frontier-agent work into a bounded agent task with outcome, scope, context, tools, autonomy level, and verification evidence.

- Skill: `45ck/agent-task-shaping` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add 45ck/agent-task-shaping`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/45ck/agent-task-shaping/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: 45ck (https://skillmd.com/u/45ck)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/45ck/agent-task-shaping

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# Agent Task Shaping

Use this skill before launching an agentic implementation, research, review, or long-running workflow from a vague request.

## Process

- State the user-visible outcome in one sentence.
- Name the smallest reversible slice that can produce evidence.
- Separate required context from optional background.
- Choose the agent loadout or role that can own the slice end to end.
- Identify allowed tools, blocked tools, and any permission expansion that needs approval.
- Define the autonomy level: act directly, ask before mutation, ask before external side effects, or propose only.
- Define verification evidence before work starts.

## Output

### Task
### Scope
### Context Needed
### Agent / Loadout
### Tool Boundaries
### Autonomy Level
### Verification Evidence
### Follow-Up Capture

## Avoid

- turning broad strategy into unbounded execution
- starting from tool availability instead of task outcome
- asking a human for decisions the agent can resolve from repository evidence
- adopting learnings without a traceable issue, test, policy check, or run receipt