---
title: "Skills or flows: when plain language is the wrong format"
description: "Describing a work process in plain language for an agent is flexible, but not always smart. When it is better to build a fixed workflow, and how you recognise the difference."
language: en
source: https://coachsteff.live/en/skills-of-flows
---

# Skills or flows: when plain language is the wrong format

One of the most beautiful things about working with AI agents is that you can describe processes in plain language. You write down how you do something, step by step, and the agent follows it. Such a description is called a skill in many tools. But in my workshops I also warn: not every process belongs in plain language.

## What a skill is

A skill is essentially a description of a work process. A standard procedure, written in Markdown, that an agent reads and executes. For example: if someone wants an appointment, ask for a name, date and place, check the calendar to see if it fits, suggest an alternative if it does not fit, and send the invitation after agreement.

The big advantage is flexibility. The agent understands the intention and can deal with situations you did not foresee. If a question comes in that is slightly different, it reasons along. That makes skills ideal for work that involves judgement and variation.