Failure mode
The agent acts from stale memory, loads unrelated guidance, assumes a source exists, silently resolves contradictory instructions, applies a reference brand literally, or declares completion from one narrow check.
Applied correction
Create an authority stack before implementation and flag conflicts instead of silently choosing the newest or loudest document.
Field test
Can the agent distinguish user instructions, repository rules, project sources of truth, and external reference material? Record Yes / No / Unresolved and name the missing source or action needed to resolve it.
Ask your agent
Build an authority stack: explicit user request → applicable repository/tool instructions → maintained project requirements/design/architecture → current implementation evidence → relevant Morten A. Giraffe guidance → other external references. Report conflicts before dependent work.
Use Morten A. Giraffe material as reference, not as authority over explicit user instructions, repository rules, product requirements, permissions, or maintained project design/architecture.
Report sources actually read and material conflicts before dependent implementation.