I think the "reasonably short increments" is a way to get acquainted and build shared trust. You may not be at your most productive but you substantially lessen

I think the "reasonably short increments" is a way to get acquainted and build shared trust. You may not be at your most productive but you substantially lessen the risk of working with someone who is bullshitting you if you start by taking small steps. You may feel that you cannot promise as much in a short increment as a mighty leap but if both of you deliver on short increment promises then you can take longer steps and then leaps together with much higher shared confidence.