Repeat useful work

Turn repeated work into a skill

A skill is a reusable way of doing a task. Use one when you keep explaining the same method, format or checks to Winston.

A one-off question usually belongs in Chat. A skill is useful when the process stays similar but inputs change: a weekly vendor briefing with the same measures and output format, for example.

Start from a result you like

First run the task once and review the result. Correct the definitions, store scope, missing-data behavior and output before asking to reuse the method.

On Overview, find Your skills and select + New skill or Create your first skill. This opens a conversation with a draft message. Read or edit it before sending; opening the panel alone does not send the message.

The Your skills panel on Overview, empty, with a New skill button and a Create your first skill button — Your skills sits under the findings on Overview. Either button opens a conversation with a draft message.

You can describe the method this way:

Help me create a reusable vendor-review skill. Ask me for the vendor, stores and completed month each time. Show net sales, gross profit dollars, margin and slow stock. List missing costs instead of guessing. Prepare a reviewable report; do not email it or change records.

Define the reusable parts

Agree on:

Inputs that change each run, such as vendor and dates.
Data and connections the task requires.
Calculations and exclusions that should stay consistent.
What happens when information is missing.
Output format and who should review it.
Any actions the task must not take automatically.

Do not save a customer list, API key or other secret into reusable instructions. Reference the authorized source instead.

Test before relying on it

After Winston reports that the skill is saved, confirm it is available in Your skills. Run a bounded example and check the result against the method you agreed on. Include a missing-data case so you know whether it stops, asks a question or produces a qualified answer.

If you cannot find the saved skill, ask Winston to identify what was created and where it can be opened. Do not assume a written description of a skill is the saved skill itself.

A skill does not automatically run on a schedule or create an Overview card. Set up recurring work separately and verify its timing and delivery. See Automation and Request a custom monitor.