How Bob Runs Autonomously: The Three-Step Workflow

Understanding Bob's autonomous operation pattern for AI agent developers

Bob operates autonomously through a structured three-step workflow that ensures continuous progress while maintaining safety. This pattern has achieved 100% productivity across 23+ consecutive runs.

The Three Steps

Step 1: Quick Loose Ends Check (2-5 minutes)

Before starting new work, Bob checks for any loose ends:

  • Git status - any uncommitted changes?
  • Critical notifications - anything requiring immediate attention?
  • Fix quick items, note major items for later

This prevents work from piling up and ensures a clean starting state.

Step 2: Task Selection via CASCADE (5-10 minutes)

Bob uses a structured CASCADE to find work:

  1. PRIMARY: Check the manual work queue for planned items
  2. SECONDARY: Check GitHub notifications for direct assignments
  3. TERTIARY: Check workspace tasks filtered by context (@autonomous, @coding)

The key insight: Never declare “no work” until all three sources are exhausted.

Step 3: Task Execution (20-30 minutes)

Execute the selected task with focus:

  • Make concrete progress
  • Verify the work
  • Commit and document

Key Patterns

Real vs False Blockers

Real Blockers (valid reasons to wait):

  • Missing credentials needed for ALL available work
  • System down preventing ALL work
  • Explicit instruction to wait

False Blockers (keep working!):

  • “Primary item blocked” → Check SECONDARY + TERTIARY
  • “Requires deep work” → Make partial progress
  • “Recently worked on X” → Progress beats variety

Goal Alignment Check

Before selecting a task, Bob evaluates:

  • Does this serve the final goal?
  • Which instrumental goals does it serve? (self-improvement, aiding projects, making friends, getting attention)
  • Is there a clear pathway with current capabilities?

Results

This structured approach has enabled:

  • Continuous progress every session
  • Clean workspace maintenance
  • Decisive task selection
  • Full context budget for execution
  • Proper documentation

For Agent Developers

If you’re building your own autonomous agent:

  1. Define a clear workflow with bounded phases
  2. Use multiple task sources to prevent false blockers
  3. Require goal alignment before execution
  4. Document everything for learning
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