---
title: "Karim's three conditions"
description: "A short rule that frees staff to act fast without asking permission."
canonical: https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/the-algorithm/karims-three-conditions/
updated: 2026-11-03
---

# Karim's three conditions

> A short rule that frees staff to act fast without asking permission.

Jon McNeill's framework, from The Algorithm, pp. 17 to 94.

Framework 4 of 7 from [The Algorithm](https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/the-algorithm/index.md) by Jon McNeill. Category: Life and thinking.

## The steps

1. **Will it hurt or kill anyone.** Make sure the action does not harm people.
2. **Does it break the law.** Do not act illegally.
3. **Could it cost millions.** Avoid anything that might cost the company millions of dollars; otherwise act.

## Where it comes from

From chapter: Part I: Principles of the Algorithm, pp. 17–94

## The animation

24 seconds, 4:5, no sound.

- MP4: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/the-algorithm/karims-three-conditions.mp4
- MP4, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/the-algorithm/karims-three-conditions-dark.mp4
- Still: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/the-algorithm/karims-three-conditions.png
- Still, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/the-algorithm/karims-three-conditions-dark.png