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One decision. Clear ownership. · Set authority

Consultation versus approval in a handover

Consultation supplies information or challenge. Approval grants permission. Mixing the two can create hidden vetoes even when a manager is described as the decision owner.

Put it into practice

  1. Name who must contribute before a decision.

  2. State whether their role is advice, consent or formal approval.

  3. Agree a response window and route for unresolved disagreement.

Illustrative example

A case to think through

A delivery owner may consult sales about a customer's preference without needing sales to approve a decision within established service boundaries.

This is a hypothetical operating example, not a client result.

A boundary worth checking

Writing 'consult finance' without defining its authority may create an unexpected extra approval stage.

Operating authority must sit within the permissions your business already holds. A worksheet or matrix cannot override company, contractual, financial, employment or specialist controls. Where a choice is formally reserved, show the decision route clearly so the manager can prepare and progress the surrounding work.

Use a real case from your business

Your handover working notes

Use these prompts with the person taking ownership. Record the agreement within your existing permissions.

PromptNotes from your case
Decision
consulted role
input needed
approval required
deadline

What if the consulted person disagrees?

Use the agreed authority and escalation rule. Mandatory consent or formal approval must still be honoured where it applies.

Your next step

Give one decision a clear owner.

A free fillable PDF with a worked example and conversation prompts. Marketing updates are optional.

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