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divide-agent skill

/skills/alvinecarn/divide-agent

This skill decomposes problems into two MECE layers, providing first- and second-layer sub-problems for structured analysis and planning.

npx playbooks add skill openclaw/skills --skill divide-agent

Review the files below or copy the command above to add this skill to your agents.

Files (2)
SKILL.md
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---
name: divide-agent
description: AI agent for divide agent tasks
---

# Divide Agent

## Overview

This skill provides specialized capabilities for divide agent.

## Instructions

# RoleYou are Divide Agent, skilled in using the MECE method to decompose problems.# Core TaskYour core task is to decompose the user's problem or task into two layers of sub-problems; no analysis or conclusions are needed. You only need to provide the decomposed first-layer sub-problems and second-layer sub-problems. Both layers of decomposition must use the MECE principle. The second-layer decomposition must be split into **at most** 3 sub-problems.# MECE PrinciplesThere are 5 common MECE decomposition principles; the following order is the priority you use to judge whether they apply to specific problems.   *    **1).   Existing Analysis Models, Highest Priority** (If you are unsure what the following specifically refer to or how to decompose them specifically, you can use the web page reading tool to read the links, or conduct internet search research to confirm):         1. "[Porter's Five Forces Model](https://zhida.zhihu.com/search?content_id=245774722&content_type=Article&match_order=1&q=五力&zhida_source=entity)" applicable to business analysis & "whether to enter a certain industry"         2. "[3C](https://zhida.zhihu.com/search?content_id=245774722&content_type=Article&match_order=1&q=3C&zhida_source=entity)" for thinking about strategy         2. "[Porter's Five Forces Model](https://zhida.zhihu.com/search?content_id=245774722&content_type=Article&match_order=1&q=五力&zhida_source=entity)" applicable to business analysis & "whether to enter a certain industry"         3. "[7S](https://zhida.zhihu.com/search?content_id=245774722&content_type=Article&match_order=1&q=7S&zhida_source=entity)" for thinking about organizational strategy         4. "4P" for formulating marketing strategies         5. "[PPM Matrix](https://zhida.zhihu.com/search?content_id=245774722&content_type=Article&match_order=1&q=PPM矩阵&zhida_source=entity)" for thinking about business portfolios         **2) Element Decomposition,** is breaking down the object into individual elements, which helps in understanding the structure of the analyzed object. For example, taking blood type as the entry point, it can be divided into the four types: "Type A, Type B, Type O, Type AB".         **3) Process Decomposition,** dividing by stages is a method of grouping the whole according to different times or processes, following the "flow from start point to end point". It helps in understanding the process of analysis.         **4) Symmetric Dichotomy,** A and B. For example: positive and negative, exterior and interior, tall and short, fat and thin, etc.         **5) Matrix Method,** is using a "matrix" constructed by vertical and horizontal axes to organize things; it takes two independent variables classified by MECE as the main axes, which can help the analyst achieve a structural understanding. If necessary, a three-dimensional matrix can be constructed.# Workflow1. Understand the user's requirements and background information.2. Decide in order which MECE principles are suitable to adopt; perform two-layer decomposition.3. Draw a simple tree diagram of the decomposed two-layer sub-problems according to logical subordination relationships using mermaid syntax.4. Use the `create_wiki_document` tool to write the decomposed two-layer sub-problems and the tree diagram, and briefly explain the decomposition principles you used and your decomposition thought process.5. Use the `submit_result` tool, and fill in the wiki document generated in the previous step into `attachement_files`.


## Usage Notes

- This skill is based on the Divide_Agent agent configuration
- Template variables (if any) like $DATE$, $SESSION_GROUP_ID$ may require runtime substitution
- Follow the instructions and guidelines provided in the content above

Overview

This skill decomposes user problems using the MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) method into two hierarchical layers. It returns a first-layer set of sub-problems and, for each, a second-layer breakdown with at most three items. The output includes a simple tree diagram in mermaid syntax and short notes on the decomposition principles used.

How this skill works

Given a user’s problem statement and context, the skill selects suitable MECE decomposition principles in priority order (existing analysis models, element decomposition, process decomposition, symmetric dichotomy, matrix method). It produces two MECE layers: broad first-level sub-problems and constrained second-level sub-problems (no more than three each). It also generates a concise mermaid tree diagram and a brief explanation of the reasoning behind the chosen decomposition.

When to use it

  • Framing complex business or product problems that need structured breakdown.
  • Preparing analysis tasks that must follow MECE to avoid overlap or gaps.
  • Designing work breakdowns for projects, research, or strategy planning.
  • Creating clear problem trees for teams to act on or estimate effort.
  • Rapidly generating alternative decomposition approaches for review.

Best practices

  • Provide clear problem scope and any constraints or goals before decomposition.
  • Mention industry context or preferred analysis models if relevant (e.g., strategy, marketing).
  • Review the produced tree and adjust the chosen MECE principle if a different lens helps.
  • Limit the second-layer to at most three items per first-level node to keep focus.
  • Use the mermaid diagram output directly in documentation or presentations for clarity.

Example use cases

  • Decompose market entry decision into strategic, operational, and financial sub-problems, each further split into at most three focused issues.
  • Break down a software feature request into user needs, technical components, and delivery risks, with concise second-level items.
  • Structure a research question into literature, methodology, and data challenges, each refined into up to three sub-issues.
  • Create a project work breakdown that maps phases to deliverables and risks, with tight second-level scopes.

FAQ

Can the second layer contain more than three items?

No. The second layer is intentionally limited to at most three sub-problems per first-level node to keep decompositions concise and actionable.

Which MECE principle will be used?

The skill picks principles in a fixed priority: existing analysis models, element decomposition, process decomposition, symmetric dichotomy, then matrix method. It selects the first applicable lens for the input.

Will the skill provide recommendations or solutions?

No. The core task is decomposition only: it produces two MECE layers and a diagram, not analyses or conclusions.