MOVE 72 · ACCOUNTABILITY & DOCUMENTATION · PRO
Agree on What Happens If It Slips
Decide in advance, together, what will happen if a deadline or commitment is missed, so consequences are expected rather than punitive.
Consequences agreed in calm are accepted in conflict.
Low riskCommitmentClient scopeVendor negotiationPartnershipGet clarityProtect valuePrepare for escalation
WHY IT WORKS
Consequences announced after a failure feel like punishment and spark disputes. Agreeing beforehand — 'if feedback is more than five days late, the launch moves by the same amount' — makes outcomes predictable, fair and less personal, and motivates both sides to keep commitments.
WHEN TO USE IT
- Starting a project with interdependent deadlines.
- After a first missed commitment, to prevent a second.
WHEN NOT TO USE IT
- The relationship is informal and formal consequences would feel heavy.
- You have no realistic way to apply the consequence.
SIGNALS IT FITS
- Your deadlines depend on the other side delivering inputs.
- Previous slips caused arguments about who absorbs the impact.
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ETHICAL BOUNDARY
Keep consequences proportionate and mutual. Penalty terms with legal effect may need qualified advice.
RELATED MOVES
Content version 1 · Drafted by Power Move IQ Editorial · Not yet human-reviewed · Educational decision support, not legal, financial or employment advice.