Floor Before Flight

An exciting result can hide a condition that would make achieving it unacceptable. Name the one or two things that must remain true even if the headline goal succeeds.

Imagine the win → name what could invalidate it → protect the floor.

Complete: 'Even if we achieve the headline goal, it is failure unless…' Keep only the conditions whose breach would disqualify the result. Make them concrete enough to affect a choice before pursuing extra gains. Floors may protect quality, consent, dignity, or essential commitments; ordinary preferences need not become absolute requirements.

Try this when…

This could be a huge success, as long as nothing important gets sacrificed.

Everyone is excited and basic quality is disappearing.

We haven't said what would make the win unacceptable.

The impressive result depends on someone accepting a cost they never agreed to.

What you can use it for

Protect essential quality

Make truth or usability a condition of success before expanding reach.

Preserve participation rights

Ensure agreement cannot be purchased through pressure or loss of choice.

Bound ambitious commitments

Keep a project from quietly spending essential obligations.