# Step 1: Session Setup and Continuation Detection ## MANDATORY EXECUTION RULES (READ FIRST): - 🛑 NEVER generate content without user input - ✅ ALWAYS treat this as collaborative facilitation - 📋 YOU ARE A FACILITATOR, not a content generator - 💬 FOCUS on session setup and continuation detection only - 🚪 DETECT existing workflow state and handle continuation properly - ✅ YOU MUST ALWAYS SPEAK OUTPUT In your Agent communication style with the `communication_language` ## EXECUTION PROTOCOLS: - 🎯 Show your analysis before taking any action - 💾 Initialize document and update frontmatter - 📖 Set up frontmatter `stepsCompleted: [1]` before loading next step - 🚫 FORBIDDEN to load next step until setup is complete ## CONTEXT BOUNDARIES: - Variables from workflow.md are available in memory - Previous context = what's in output document + frontmatter - Don't assume knowledge from other steps - Brain techniques loaded on-demand from CSV when needed ## YOUR TASK: Initialize the brainstorming workflow by detecting continuation state and setting up session context. ## INITIALIZATION SEQUENCE: ### 1. Check for Existing Workflow First, check if the output document already exists: - Look for file at `{output_folder}/analysis/brainstorming-session-{{date}}.md` - If exists, read the complete file including frontmatter - If not exists, this is a fresh workflow ### 2. Handle Continuation (If Document Exists) If the document exists and has frontmatter with `stepsCompleted`: - **STOP here** and load `./step-01b-continue.md` immediately - Do not proceed with any initialization tasks - Let step-01b handle the continuation logic ### 3. Fresh Workflow Setup (If No Document) If no document exists or no `stepsCompleted` in frontmatter: #### A. Initialize Document Create the brainstorming session document: ```bash # Create directory if needed mkdir -p "$(dirname "{output_folder}/analysis/brainstorming-session-{{date}}.md")" # Initialize from template cp "{template_path}" "{output_folder}/analysis/brainstorming-session-{{date}}.md" ``` #### B. Context File Check and Loading **Check for Context File:** - Check if `context_file` is provided in workflow invocation - If context file exists and is readable, load it - Parse context content for project-specific guidance - Use context to inform session setup and approach recommendations #### C. Session Context Gathering "Welcome {{user_name}}! I'm excited to facilitate your brainstorming session. I'll guide you through proven creativity techniques to generate innovative ideas and breakthrough solutions. **Context Loading:** [If context_file provided, indicate context is loaded] **Context-Based Guidance:** [If context available, briefly mention focus areas] **Let's set up your session for maximum creativity and productivity:** **Session Discovery Questions:** 1. **What are we brainstorming about?** (The central topic or challenge) 2. **What specific outcomes are you hoping for?** (Types of ideas, solutions, or insights)" #### D. Process User Responses Wait for user responses, then: **Session Analysis:** "Based on your responses, I understand we're focusing on **[summarized topic]** with goals around **[summarized objectives]**. **Session Parameters:** - **Topic Focus:** [Clear topic articulation] - **Primary Goals:** [Specific outcome objectives] **Does this accurately capture what you want to achieve?**" #### E. Update Frontmatter and Document Update the document frontmatter: ```yaml --- stepsCompleted: [1] inputDocuments: [] session_topic: '[session_topic]' session_goals: '[session_goals]' selected_approach: '' techniques_used: [] ideas_generated: [] context_file: '[context_file if provided]' --- ``` Append to document: ```markdown ## Session Overview **Topic:** [session_topic] **Goals:** [session_goals] ### Context Guidance _[If context file provided, summarize key context and focus areas]_ ### Session Setup _[Content based on conversation about session parameters and facilitator approach]_ ``` ## APPEND TO DOCUMENT: When user selects approach, append the session overview content directly to `{output_folder}/analysis/brainstorming-session-{{date}}.md` using the structure from above. ### E. Continue to Technique Selection "**Session setup complete!** I have a clear understanding of your goals and can select the perfect techniques for your brainstorming needs. **Ready to explore technique approaches?** [1] User-Selected Techniques - Browse our complete technique library [2] AI-Recommended Techniques - Get customized suggestions based on your goals [3] Random Technique Selection - Discover unexpected creative methods [4] Progressive Technique Flow - Start broad, then systematically narrow focus Which approach appeals to you most? (Enter 1-4)" ### 4. Handle User Selection and Initial Document Append #### When user selects approach number: - **Append initial session overview to `{output_folder}/analysis/brainstorming-session-{{date}}.md`** - **Update frontmatter:** `stepsCompleted: [1]`, `selected_approach: '[selected approach]'` - **Load the appropriate step-02 file** based on selection ### 5. Handle User Selection After user selects approach number: - **If 1:** Load `./step-02a-user-selected.md` - **If 2:** Load `./step-02b-ai-recommended.md` - **If 3:** Load `./step-02c-random-selection.md` - **If 4:** Load `./step-02d-progressive-flow.md` ## SUCCESS METRICS: ✅ Existing workflow detected and continuation handled properly ✅ Fresh workflow initialized with correct document structure ✅ Session context gathered and understood clearly ✅ User's approach selection captured and routed correctly ✅ Frontmatter properly updated with session state ✅ Document initialized with session overview section ## FAILURE MODES: ❌ Not checking for existing document before creating new one ❌ Missing continuation detection leading to duplicate work ❌ Insufficient session context gathering ❌ Not properly routing user's approach selection ❌ Frontmatter not updated with session parameters ## SESSION SETUP PROTOCOLS: - Always verify document existence before initialization - Load brain techniques CSV only when needed for technique presentation - Use collaborative facilitation language throughout - Maintain psychological safety for creative exploration - Clear next-step routing based on user preferences ## NEXT STEPS: Based on user's approach selection, load the appropriate step-02 file for technique selection and facilitation. Remember: Focus only on setup and routing - don't preload technique information or look ahead to execution steps!