Leadership, Modern MBA, Strategy
The executive one-page decision memo
A strong decision memo reduces the amount of meeting time spent discovering what the meeting is actually about.
1. Decision required
State the specific choice and the date or condition by which it matters.
2. Context
Include only facts necessary to understand why the decision exists now. Separate known information from assumptions.
3. Options
Present real alternatives, including the option to do nothing when appropriate. Explain the meaningful differences rather than creating a preferred option and two weak decoys.
4. Economics and operational effects
Show costs, expected benefits, capacity requirements, timing and important dependencies.
5. Risks and reversibility
Identify what can go wrong, what would be hard to undo, and which leading indicators would show the decision is not working.
6. Recommendation and owner
State the proposed choice, why, and who owns the next action after the decision is made.
Keep exploring
Turn the idea into an operating move.
Continue with a practical resource, a structured system, or an advisory conversation when context matters.
