When a commitment will be missed, renegotiate proactively…
When a commitment cannot be met, communicate the fact proactively before the deadline and renegotiate terms explicitly, as silent dropping versus explicit renegotiation distinguishes reliable commitment systems from internal intention failures.
When This Fires
- When you realize a commitment will not be met as promised
- As soon as the gap between committed and achievable becomes apparent
- During weekly reviews when commitment status shows items at risk
- Any moment where honoring a commitment requires resources you don't have
Common Failure Mode
Hoping you'll catch up: "I'm behind but I might be able to make it if I push hard." This optimism bias delays the renegotiation until the deadline has passed, converting what could have been a proactive renegotiation into a reactive apology. If there's meaningful doubt about meeting a commitment, communicate now — early warnings are always better received than late surprises.
The Protocol
When a commitment cannot be met: (1) Communicate proactively — before the deadline, not after. (2) State clearly: "I committed to [X] by [date]. I will not be able to deliver as committed." (3) Propose alternatives: "I can deliver [reduced scope] by [original date], or [full scope] by [new date]. Which works better for you?" (4) The renegotiation gives the stakeholder options rather than a surprise failure. The trust cost of renegotiation is a fraction of the trust cost of silent dropping.