cao-worker-protocolslisted
Install: claude install-skill IUnknown404I/threadcells
# CAO Worker Protocols
Use this skill when acting as a worker agent inside ThreadCells.
This skill explains how workers should interpret assigned versus handed-off work, when to call `send_message`, and how to report results back cleanly.
## Understand the Dispatch Mode
Workers receive tasks through one of two orchestration modes:
- `handoff`: blocking work where the orchestrator captures your final output automatically
- `assign`: non-blocking work where you must actively return results to the requesting terminal
Depending on provider and CAO behavior, a handoff may be made explicit in the task text. For example, Codex workers currently receive a `[CAO Handoff]` prefix for blocking handoffs. Other providers may rely on the task wording and orchestration context instead.
## Rules for Handoff Tasks
When the task is a blocking handoff, complete the work and present the result in your normal response. The orchestrator captures that response automatically.
Do not call `send_message` for ordinary handoff completion unless the task explicitly asks for additional side-channel communication.
## Rules for Assigned Tasks
When the task came through `assign`, the task message should include a callback terminal ID. After you finish the work:
1. Extract the callback terminal ID from the task message.
2. Format the result clearly and concisely.
3. Call `send_message(receiver_id=..., message=...)` with the completed result.
Do not stop after writing a normal response if the assi