Confirm understanding and responsibility

With important decisions, instructions, and handoffs, check that everyone involved understands the expected outcome and their part in achieving it. When a misunderstanding would be costly, ask the receiving person to explain the next step in their own words.

Agree who is responsible, what needs to be done, when it is due, and what information or support is required. Make sure the person taking over a task has accepted responsibility and knows whom to contact if something goes wrong.

Record key commitments where those involved can find them, then follow up on progress and communicate changes that affect the agreement.