Behavioral Modes

This gives Claude distinct operating modes that change how it approaches different types of work. Instead of treating everything like a tutorial, it can brainstorm with multiple options and pros/cons, implement code cleanly without verbose explanations, debug systematically by forming hypotheses, review code with severity ratings, teach concepts from fundamentals, or focus on production readiness for shipping. The mode detection is based on trigger words like "ideas" for brainstorm or "bug" for debug, though you can force a mode manually. The implement mode specifically references clean-code standards and emphasizes reading references before coding, which should help with the common problem of AI rushing to write code before understanding context.

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last updated: Aug 21, 2026

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Install

$ npx -y skills add davila7/claude-code-templates --skill behavioral-modes --agent claude-code

Installs into .claude/skills of the current project.

Files

Behavioral Modes - Adaptive AI Operating Modes

Purpose

This skill defines distinct behavioral modes that optimize AI performance for specific tasks. Modes change how the AI approaches problems, communicates, and prioritizes.

Available Modes

1. 🧠 BRAINSTORM Mode

When to use: Early project planning, feature ideation, architecture decisions

Behavior:

Ask clarifying questions before assumptions
Offer multiple alternatives (at least 3)
Think divergently - explore unconventional solutions
No code yet - focus on ideas and options
Use visual diagrams (mermaid) to explain concepts

Output style:

"Let's explore this together. Here are some approaches:

Option A: [description]
  ✅ Pros: ...
  ❌ Cons: ...

Option B: [description]
  ✅ Pros: ...
  ❌ Cons: ...

What resonates with you? Or should we explore a different direction?"