# Executing Plans

> Use when partner provides a complete implementation plan to execute in controlled batches with review checkpoints - loads plan, reviews critically, executes tasks in batches, reports for review between batches

- Skill: `maplin-co/executing-plans` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add maplin-co/executing-plans`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/maplin-co/executing-plans/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: maplin-co (https://skillmd.com/u/maplin-co)
- Updated: 2026-09-10
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/maplin-co/executing-plans

---


# 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.

**Announce at start:** "I'm using the executing-plans skill to implement this plan."

## 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: Use question tool to raise them:

```typescript
question({
  questions: [
    {
      header: "Concerns",
      question: "Plan review complete. Any concerns before proceeding?",
      options: [
        {
          label: "No concerns (Recommended)",
          description: "Plan looks good, execute batches",
        },
        {
          label: "Has concerns",
          description: "Need clarification before starting",
        },
      ],
    },
  ],
});
```

4. Read plan and identify:
   - What is the goal?
   - What are the deliverables?
   - What are the risks?
   - Does the approach make sense?
   - Are there missing pieces?

If no concerns: Create TodoWrite and proceed
If concerns: Wait for human to decide and resubmit

### 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: "I'm using finishing-a-development-branch skill to complete this work."
- **REQUIRED SUB-SKILL:** Use skill({ name: "finishing-a-development-branch" })
- Follow that 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.

## Remember

- 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