Put it into practice
Check whether the case falls within the agreed boundary.
Identify exactly what is missing or threatened.
Bring a recommendation with the facts and the time available.
A case to think through
A manager can explain that a customer request exceeds available capacity, offer two feasible alternatives and identify which promise needs an authorised decision.
This is a hypothetical operating example, not a client result.A boundary worth checking
Discouraging all escalation can encourage concealed risk. The goal is appropriate routing rather than silence.
An appropriate escalation can be evidence that the boundary works. Judge the reason, timing and outcome rather than seeking the lowest possible number of questions. Urgent safety, security and specialist incidents retain their established response routes; a general delegation exercise does not replace them.
Your handover working notes
Use these prompts with the person taking ownership. Record the agreement within your existing permissions.
| Prompt | Notes from your case |
|---|---|
| Decision | |
| boundary check | |
| missing input | |
| recommendation | |
| deadline |
Should they always bring a recommendation?
Where they can safely form one. Urgent safety, security or specialist incidents must follow the established response route without waiting for a polished proposal.
Give one decision a clear owner.
A free fillable PDF with a worked example and conversation prompts. Marketing updates are optional.
Get the free seven-day Plan