Decision memos that prevent circular debates

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Decisions stall when the team debates different versions of the same problem. A short memo fixes that by making the call explicit and the trade-offs visible.

The 5-part memo

1. Context — what changed or why this matters now.
2. Options — 2–3 viable paths, not a long list.
3. Trade-offs — what we gain and what we risk per option.
4. Decision — the call and the reasoning.
5. Follow-ups — owners, dates, and what to revisit.

Why it works

• It collapses ambiguity fast.
• It creates a durable record.
• It reduces “re-litigating” past choices.

Small rules that make it stick

• Keep it under one page.
• Timebox the decision review.
• Always write the trade-off section.

A good memo doesn’t just decide — it helps people move.