The Condition
At the time, it does not feel significant. It is framed as a pilot. A temporary workaround. An exception to keep things moving.
One hire. One configuration choice. One narrow interpretation of policy.
No announcement is made. No warning light flashes.
The language is reassuring.
“Just for now.”
“We can undo it later.”
“It doesn’t set precedent.”
Then the decision is referenced again. Someone points to it in a meeting.
A system applies the same logic a second time. Another hire is made on the same basis.
Weeks later, the question surfaces: Can we reverse this?
The answer is no. Not because reversal is technically impossible. Because people, processes, and expectations have already reorganised around it.
