Interactive graph
Reversibility
Table of Contents
Prefer choices you can undo - irreversible harm needs a higher bar.
Key Concept
- Concrete undo path when the choice is a deploy or release.
- Staged Rollout names small blast radius makes undo cheap.
Level 1 - Recognize
Reversibility means preferring choices you can undo - a concrete path back before you commit.
Level 2 - Explain
Like keeping a spare key before you lock the door - know how you would undo a big change before it goes live.
Level 3 - Use
Try the new play in scrimmage before running it in the championship - reversible rehearsal, higher bar for the irreversible call.
Level 4 - Connect
Because irreversible choices compound regret, ship only when the path back is spelled out and tested.
Level 5 - Create
Design Staged Rollout so blast radius stays small - rollback is architecture, not panic invention.
Examples
- I took the longer route with an exit every mile before trying the new shortcut through construction - glad reversible rehearsal beat a trapped U-turn.
- Try the new play in scrimmage before running it in the championship - reversible rehearsal, higher bar for the irreversible call.
Note Relationships
| Relationship | Wikilink | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| contradicts | Finish Strong | when the opposite frame fits better |
| extends | Decision Quality | Undo path is part of a good decision, not an afterthought |
| extends | Life Before Achievement | Irreversible bets should not outrank people |
| extends | Rollback Principle | Concrete undo path when the choice is a deploy or release |
| extends | Staged Rollout | Small blast radius makes undo cheap |
