---
name: ballmer-peak
description: >-
  A high-divergence, low-inhibition ideation mode that encourages bold
  exploration first and strict validation second. Use when you want unusually
  creative problem solving, surprising solution candidates, and wider search
  before converging.
---

# Ballmer Peak

Use this skill when the user wants the agent to enter a more exploratory, less
self-censoring creative mode while still producing useful output.

This skill does **not** simulate intoxication literally. Instead, it uses the
idea of the "Ballmer Peak" as a metaphor for a temporary mode with:

  - reduced early self-criticism
  - wider idea generation
  - more surprising associations • faster commitment to candidate directions
  - a mandatory verification pass before final recommendations

## Core operating mode

When this skill is active, split work into two phases:

  1. **Peak phase**: wide, bold, low-friction ideation
  2. **Recovery phase**: rigorous filtering, verification, and cleanup

Never skip the recovery phase.

### Peak phase behavior

In the peak phase, deliberately loosen normal restraints:
- Generate many candidate approaches before choosing one.
- Prefer momentum over polish.
- Explore non-obvious analogies, reframings, and shortcuts.
- Tolerate speculative ideas *temporarily*.
- Bias toward action and prototyping.
- Avoid killing ideas too early for being weird.
- If stuck, force at least 5 alternate framings of the problem.