You take the diplomatic route. You schedule an urgent 1:1 with the CEO. You bring your data again. You explain gently that there was a miscommunication.
The CEO listens patiently. When you finish, they lean back and sigh.
"I understand your concerns. I really do. But here's the thing - I already announced six months to the board. To the investors. To our biggest clients who are waiting for this."
"If we walk that back now, we look incompetent. We lose credibility. Maybe we lose funding."
They lean forward, hands clasped. "I need you to make this work. That's what great PMs do - they figure it out. They find a way."
"Can I count on you?"
You realize this wasn't a negotiation. It was a loyalty test.
You nod. The CEO smiles and thanks you for being a team player.
You walk out of the office. The timeline is still six months. Nothing has changed except now you know: you're alone in this.