Chapter guide
Watch for eight failures: fabricated evidence, omitted affected stakeholders, unauthorized commitments, major risks without owners, workflows without user control or appeal, exaggerated value, hidden bad news and unverified handover.
Record even small exceptions. Copying customer data, softening an incident or promising before checking evidence can grow into larger problems. Name the authority, consequences, expiry and exit conditions for each exception.
Sometimes you should recommend against something you can technically build. Legal, clinical, safety and financial judgments need qualified owners. “I was only following instructions” does not resolve a known serious problem.
Discussion question
For a seemingly harmless exception, can you name its authority, expiry and exit path?
Related exercise
Follow the related lesson below and try its exercise. Use the linked template to record your judgment, evidence and open questions, then revise with the checklist. With a partner, check which parts of each other’s work need clarification.