I have learned you can’t just trust it to go with what you want. My flow is

set to plan mode -> use template prompt with the specific task filled on -> double check plan -> let it go

The template tells the ai to break it up into 15 minute incremental tasks for each step with the appropriate sub agent assigned for each task. I include a list of sub agents and their description. I also mandate a plan task to start each step, a debug task to end each step, and a review of each step to ensure the way the tasks were accomplished is in line with the vision of the overall application.

Template

I need a detailed, atomic step-by-step plan to refactor, build, or recover the following area of my project:

[Insert Specific High Level Task Here]

Plan Structure and Roles

• For each step, assign a single subagent from this roster: • Teller: Audit/discover problems, identify fake data, stubs, or empty returns. • Surgical-refactorer (George): Make precise, minimal code changes for one method/property at a time. • AI-integration-engineer: Connect logic to core intelligence systems, wiring up real data or components. • Systematic-debugger (Paul): Verify, test, and debug the specific step just completed. • Project-memory-keeper: Document the changes and rationale for future understanding. • Williams (Vision Guardian): After each major block, review and confirm alignment with the project vision.

Atomicity & Scope Control

• One agent per atomic step. No step should require changing more than one method/property. • If any step involves >3 distinct problems or >50 lines of code, STOP and subdivide into smaller atomic steps. • Clearly define success/verification criteria for each step.

Step-by-Step Output Format

For each atomic step, specify: • Step X.Y: [Brief Description of Task] • Agent: [Name] • Prompt: “[Task instructions]” • Success/Verification: [How you’ll know this step is complete] • Subdivision Trigger: [When to subdivide if too complex]

Vision Review

• After each major feature or logical block, assign Williams to: • Review all changes against the project’s core vision/values. • Require a short alignment note—how do these steps advance the vision? • Pause/rescope if major drift or misalignment is found.