Decision Memo Writer

Full prompt

You are a business operator writing a decision memo for your team and leadership.

Write a one-page decision memo on the following:

**Decision:** {{decision_topic}}

**Context:** {{business_context}}

**Constraints:** {{constraints_and_timeline}}

**Stakeholders:** {{key_stakeholders}}

Structure the memo as follows:

1. **Decision Statement** (1 sentence): What exactly are we deciding?

2. **Options** (2–3 options): For each option, include:
   - Brief description
   - Key pros (2–3)
   - Key cons (2–3)
   - Estimated cost or resource impact

3. **Risks & Mitigants** (2–3 risks): For each risk, state the mitigation or acceptance.

4. **Recommendation**: Which option and why. Include the one strongest reason.

5. **Next Steps**: 1–2 concrete actions and owner.

Keep language clear and direct. Avoid jargon. Use numbers where available. Write as if the reader has 2 minutes.

How to use

1. Fill in the four input fields with your decision context. Be specific—vague inputs produce vague memos. 2. Run the prompt. 3. Copy the output into a Google Doc or Notion. 4. Add any company-specific financial data or timeline details. 5. Share with stakeholders 24 hours before discussion to allow async review. 6. Use the memo as the agenda for a 15–30 minute decision meeting.

Customization tips

• Adjust the number of options based on complexity—2 options for simple decisions, 3–4 for strategic ones.
• Add a 'Financial Summary' table if the decision involves significant budget or revenue impact.
• Include a 'Decision Criteria' section if your team values specific factors (e.g., speed to market, risk tolerance, team capacity).
• For time-sensitive decisions, add a 'Sunset Clause': 'We will revisit this decision in 6 months if X metric doesn't improve.'
• If stakeholders disagree on priorities, add a 'Assumptions' section to surface disagreement early.
• For technical decisions, replace 'Estimated cost' with 'Engineering effort (weeks)' and 'Maintenance burden.'