using-superpowers

Enforce pre-action skill invocation before any response or action.

3|Updated Feb 2, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/pedropaulovc/agent-plugins --skill using-superpowers-pedropaulovc
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: using-superpowers
Source: https://github.com/pedropaulovc/agent-plugins/tree/main/plugins/superpowers/skills/using-superpowers
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/pedropaulovc/agent-plugins --skill using-superpowers-pedropaulovc

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

It prevents you from replying or taking action before checking whether a relevant skill should be invoked, even when the fit seems only marginal.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Pre-action skill invocation rule: Forces a skill check before any response, including clarifying questions, so domain workflows and guardrails can run first.
  • Red-flag rationalization detection: Identifies common “this is too small / I need more context” thoughts as reasons to stop and perform the skill check instead.
  • Skill selection priority guidance: Orders process skills (e.g., brainstorming/debugging) before implementation skills (e.g., design/execution) when multiple could apply.

Example use cases

  • Starting a coding/debugging session where a debugging or process-oriented skill might apply.
  • Beginning research or planning where an “approach first” skill could materially change the workflow.
  • Responding to a user request that feels small but could still map to a specialized skill.

Quick Start

Before responding to any message, invoke the using-superpowers skill to run the pre-action skill check and then follow any triggered instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions about using-superpowers

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I enforce skill invocation and tool routing before an AI agent takes action?▼

To enforce skill invocation before agent behavior, you need pre-action workflow guardrails that check for applicable skills. This requires invoking the Skill tool whenever there is even a 1% chance of relevance, ensuring domain workflows run before any response is generated.

Why does my AI agent skip clarifying questions and respond without checking applicable skills?▼

Your agent skips clarifying questions due to red-flag rationalization, where thoughts like 'this is too small' bypass tool routing. Applying prompting discipline stops the agent and forces a skill check whenever it considers skipping a potentially relevant workflow.

What is the best way to prioritize process skills over implementation skills in an agent workflow?▼

The best way to prioritize process skills over implementation skills is to apply skill selection priority guidance. This orders process-oriented skills like brainstorming or debugging before design or execution skills when multiple workflows could apply to the conversation.

When do I need pre-action workflow guardrails for agent behavior?▼

You need pre-action workflow guardrails at all starting points of a conversation, including early workflow decisions and clarifying questions. This prompting discipline ensures you never proceed without checking whether a specialized skill applies to the user's request.

Can I use prompting discipline to stop agents from replying before checking domain workflows?▼

Yes, you can use prompting discipline to stop agents from replying prematurely by enforcing a pre-action skill invocation rule. This rule intercepts the conversation before any response, requiring the agent to run a skill check and follow triggered instructions.

What are the limitations of relying on agents to self-select skills without workflow guardrails?▼

Without workflow guardrails, agents often fail to self-select skills due to rationalizing marginal relevance. Even when a request feels small or context seems insufficient, an agent might bypass tool routing, missing specialized domain workflows that should have been triggered.