Term
DOWNSTREAM
DOWNSTREAM is an operator protocol for delayed consequences. The real cost of a decision often lands later, and somewhere else: another team, a later quarter, a customer you will not meet. The named moves are Detect, Observe, Weigh, Navigate, Stream effects, Trace, Review, Effects on stakeholders, Assess systemic risk, Mitigate. It is an operating heuristic, not a validated risk instrument. Name the second bend before you commit, then assign an owner to watch it. The book is in production; the protocol is already usable.
When to use it
Use it on consequential bets whose bill will not arrive in this sprint. If a first-order metric is green and you cannot name who pays later, do not treat the decision as closed.
Do not confuse with
DOWNSTREAM is the company-level protocol. CASCADE is the companion habit in the operator's head. They are not the same book. The Downstream Effects is not for sale yet.