---
title: "DOWNSTREAM | Glossary"
description: "DOWNSTREAM is an operator protocol for delayed consequences. The real cost of a decision often lands later, and somewhere else: another team, a later…"
image: "https://lenvanderhof.com/photos/len-portrait-1.jpg"
---

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.

## Essays on this site

- [Downstream effects](https://lenvanderhof.com/en/blog/downstream-effects/)
- [What are downstream effects?](https://lenvanderhof.com/en/blog/what-are-downstream-effects/)

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