[xyzzy_plugh]

This is great, simple advice that is obvious in hindsight.

It works in all sorts of places too! Like negotiating a job offer or a raise or promotion or time-off. It also works outside of the workplace such as following up with social acquaintances ("hey let's play tennis sometime").

It excels at identifying the party unwilling to commit. And in my experience the sooner you figure that out the better.

[tptacek]

And "unwilling to commit" is fine! That's most people most of the time. The only problem is when there's ambiguity about the commitment.