Almost every expensive agent failure comes from the same cause: an agent took an irreversible action nobody reviewed. Sort every action into three lanes.
| Lane | Examples | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Do it | Read, research, calculate, organize its own files, draft | No approval needed; keep a log |
| Draft, then ask | Send email, publish a post or listing, change a price, contact a supplier | Show the exact draft and get approval each time |
| Never alone | Pay, refund, move money, delete data, accept terms, anything using your ID | You do it, or approve one specific action with the amount stated |
Paste the free operator's charter at the top of every agent job.