Overview
A reliable single-agent workflow follows this sequence:
Step 1: State the high-level outcome.
Explain what should exist when the task is complete.
Step 2: Provide the relevant context.
Identify the workspace, files, examples, tools, preferences, and existing material the agent should use.
Step 3: Define done.
Specify measurable requirements, output format, tests, constraints, and failure conditions.
Step 4: Allow the agent to plan.
Review the plan or reasoning view when the task is important or complex.
Step 5: Let the agent act.
The agent may read, write, search, execute, or operate tools.
Step 6: Inspect the result rather than assuming completion.
Check the output against the original definition of done.
Step 7: Correct both the output and the operating system.
Fix the immediate result, and store durable lessons so the same error is less likely to recur.
This final step leads directly to Lesson 2. An agent becomes substantially more useful when corrections, preferences, and validated workflows persist beyond the current conversation.