Decision Making10 min read

Decision Framework Template

A systematic approach to making complex decisions using multiple criteria, stakeholder input, and structured analysis. This framework helps you make consistent, well-reasoned decisions while avoiding common biases.

When to Use This Framework

Major business or career decisions with multiple stakeholders

Choices with significant financial or time commitments

Complex decisions with many variables and trade-offs

When you need to justify decisions to others

Recurring decision types that benefit from standardization

Framework Steps

1. Define the Decision

Clearly articulate what you're deciding and why it matters

•Write a one-sentence decision statement

•Identify the deadline for the decision

•List who will be affected by the outcome

•Define what success looks like

2. Gather Information

Collect relevant data and identify key stakeholders

•List all available options (including 'do nothing')

•Identify who should provide input

•Gather quantitative data where possible

•Document assumptions you're making

3. Define Criteria

Establish weighted criteria for evaluating options

•Brainstorm all factors that matter

•Group similar criteria together

•Assign weights based on importance (1-10 scale)

•Ensure criteria are measurable or comparable

4. Evaluate Options

Score each option against your criteria

•Rate each option on each criterion (1-10)

•Multiply rating by weight for weighted score

•Sum weighted scores for total score per option

•Document reasoning behind each rating

5. Consider Consequences

Think through potential outcomes and risks

•List best-case scenario for each option

•Identify worst-case scenario and mitigation strategies

•Consider second and third-order effects

•Evaluate reversibility of each option

6. Make the Decision

Choose based on analysis and gut check

•Review the highest-scoring options

•Do a final gut check - how do you feel?

•Consider if you'd be comfortable explaining this decision

•Make the call and document your reasoning

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