The Vendor Honeymoon Curve describes the gap between the intense attention surrounding a new outsourcing relationship and the operating reality that emerges after launch becomes routine.
Transitions receive unusual attention
Executives are engaged. Governance is frequent. Resources are abundant. Issues move quickly. Both organizations are highly motivated to prove the decision was correct.
The first months of a vendor relationship can be the least representative months of the relationship.
Then normal operations arrive
Executive attention moves elsewhere. Transition resources roll off. Governance cadence settles. Experienced launch personnel are replaced. Exceptions become routine and the true operating model becomes visible.
Design for month eighteen
Judge governance, staffing, documentation, access rights, escalation paths and accountability based on the environment that will exist after the launch energy disappears.