Template: Decision-Making Framework
Problem Definition
Decision to be made: [Clearly state the specific decision you need to make]
Timeframe for decision: [When does this decision need to be made?]
Constraints or limitations: [List any fixed constraints that limit your options]
Stakeholder Analysis
Who will be affected by this decision? [List all relevant stakeholders]
What are their interests and concerns? [For each stakeholder, note what matters to them]
How should their perspectives influence the decision? [Weigh the importance of different stakeholders’ needs]
Option Generation
Option 1: - Description: [Describe this alternative] - Pros: [List benefits] - Cons: [List drawbacks] - Evidence supporting this option: [Note relevant facts/research]
Option 2: - Description: [Describe this alternative] - Pros: [List benefits] - Cons: [List drawbacks] - Evidence supporting this option: [Note relevant facts/research]
Option 3: - Description: [Describe this alternative] - Pros: [List benefits] - Cons: [List drawbacks] - Evidence supporting this option: [Note relevant facts/research]
[Add more options as needed]
Evaluation Criteria
Criterion 1: - Description: [Explain this criterion] - Importance (1-10): [Rate how important this factor is] - How each option rates on this criterion: [Rate each option]
Criterion 2: - Description: [Explain this criterion] - Importance (1-10): [Rate how important this factor is] - How each option rates on this criterion: [Rate each option]
Criterion 3: - Description: [Explain this criterion] - Importance (1-10): [Rate how important this factor is] - How each option rates on this criterion: [Rate each option]
[Add more criteria as needed]
Risk Assessment
Potential risks for each option: [List what could go wrong with each alternative]
Probability and impact of each risk: [Rate likelihood and severity of each risk]
Possible mitigation strategies: [How could risks be reduced or managed?]
Assumption Testing
Key assumptions underlying this analysis: [List critical assumptions you’re making]
How could you test these assumptions? [Note ways to verify if assumptions are valid]
What if these assumptions are wrong? [Consider how this would affect your decision]
Cognitive Bias Check
Potential biases affecting this decision: [List biases that might influence your thinking]
Strategies to counteract these biases: [Note specific approaches to minimize bias impact]
Decision and Rationale
Selected option: [State your decision]
Primary reasons for this choice: [Explain the key factors that led to this decision]
Alternatives considered and why they were rejected: [Briefly explain why other options weren’t chosen]
Implementation Plan
Key actions needed: [List specific steps to implement the decision]
Timeline: [When will each action occur?]
Resources required: [What will you need to implement this decision?]
How success will be measured: [How will you know if this was a good decision?]
Review Process
When this decision will be reviewed: [Set a specific time to evaluate outcomes]
Criteria for determining if a different decision is needed: [What would indicate you should change course?]
Lessons learned from this decision process: [Note insights about your decision-making approach]