bootstrap-learning

name	Bootstrap Learning
description	Build structured expertise on any unfamiliar topic through progressive discovery, from high-level overview to deep understanding.

Purpose

Go from "I know nothing about X" to "I have a structured understanding of X" through systematic learning. This skill is the starting point when entering an unfamiliar domain, industry, or topic.

Steps

1. Start with the "5 W's" framing: What is this? Who uses it? Why does it matter? Where does it apply? When did it emerge?
2. Identify the domain's core concepts (aim for 5-10 foundational terms)
3. Map relationships between concepts: what depends on what?
4. Search organizational knowledge (emails, documents, SharePoint) for internal expertise on the topic
5. Conduct Deep Research for external context: industry standards, best practices, key players
6. Build a glossary document: term, definition, why it matters, example
7. Identify the top 3 open questions the organization should answer about this topic
8. Create a structured Word document:
   • Domain overview (2-3 paragraphs)
   • Concept map (table of core concepts and relationships)
   • Glossary (terms with definitions)
   • Key findings from research
   • Open questions for follow-up
9. Flag confidence levels: what you're sure about, what needs validation, what is still unknown

Progressive Depth Model

Level	Goal	Output
Level 1: Orientation	Understand what the domain is	1-page overview
Level 2: Structure	Map core concepts and relationships	Concept table + glossary
Level 3: Context	Understand how the organization relates to this domain	Internal knowledge synthesis