Scenario 25
The File Sent Too Soon
READ
Ben and Celia were preparing a proposal for a small photography project. Ben wrote the schedule, and Celia calculated how much time each part would require. They agreed to review the complete document together before sending it to the client. Celia was still checking two details when Ben left for an appointment.
While waiting for his appointment, Ben received a message from the client asking for an update. He sent the current document so the client would have something to read. He did not mark it as a draft. One section listed an earlier completion date that Celia had not yet confirmed.
The client replied enthusiastically and said the earlier date fit perfectly with another planned activity. Ben forwarded the response to Celia and wrote that the project seemed ready to begin. Celia then explained that meeting that date would require extra editing hours and help from another person. Those costs were not included in the document.
Ben thought changing the proposal immediately might make them appear unprepared. Celia did not want to begin with a schedule she had not approved. The client sent another message asking when to make the first payment. Ben was still away, and Celia had both versions of the schedule open on her computer.
THINK AND RESPOND
What would you do?
If you could offer advice to one of the characters, who would it be and why?
