MOVE 18 · DECISION CONTROL · PRO
Make the Default Explicit
State what will happen if no decision is made by a date, so silence produces a known result instead of indefinite drift.
When no one decides, the default decides — so choose the default openly.
Moderate riskFollow-upClient scopeVendor negotiationCommitmentGain commitmentProtect value
WHY IT WORKS
Indefinite waiting usually costs the party that keeps working or holding capacity. Stating a reasonable default — 'if I don't hear by Friday, I'll proceed with Option A' — turns silence into a decision while still giving the other side full control to choose differently.
WHEN TO USE IT
- Approvals keep slipping.
- You are holding capacity or resources for someone.
WHEN NOT TO USE IT
- The default would harm the other side if they simply missed the message.
- Contract terms require explicit approval for the action.
SIGNALS IT FITS
- Reminders are acknowledged but not answered.
- Your schedule is blocked by someone else's indecision.
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Execution guidance is included with Pro.
One moment.
Included with Pro
ETHICAL BOUNDARY
Defaults must be reasonable, reversible where possible, and permitted by any agreement in place.
RELATED MOVES
Content version 1 · Drafted by Power Move IQ Editorial · Not yet human-reviewed · Educational decision support, not legal, financial or employment advice.