Vetting

Definition
Vetting is the deliberate review of a proposal, decision, or piece of work before it proceeds. Its purpose is to examine assumptions, surface risk, confirm alignment with standards, and determine whether the work is ready to move forward. Vetting exists to prevent avoidable errors and ensure decisions reflect sound judgment rather than unchecked momentum.

Example
Vetting appears when financial models, forecasts, policy changes, or system adjustments are reviewed before implementation. A proposal may be examined for underlying assumptions, completeness of analysis, and consistency with organizational priorities. Participants test the reasoning, identify gaps, and clarify implications so that decisions proceed with greater confidence and fewer surprises.

Posture
Repeated or heavy vetting signals missing clarity in ownership, standards, or decision authority. When work requires extensive review before each step, the burden of quality and risk management sits with individuals rather than with structure. Strong environments embed expectations, controls, and decision boundaries into systems so routine work proceeds without repeated examination. Vetting remains necessary for consequential decisions, but everyday execution no longer depends on constant scrutiny.