Write a one-page decision memo
Structures a decision into options, trade-offs, a recommendation and the risks of being wrong, on a single page.
Help me write a one-page decision memo.
Decision to make: {{DECISION}}
Options I am considering: {{OPTIONS}}
Context (goals, constraints, numbers): {{CONTEXT}}
Think through each option carefully before writing. Then produce:
1. The decision in one sentence, and the deadline if there is one.
2. Options: for each, the main upside, main downside, cost and reversibility.
3. Recommendation and the 2 to 3 reasons that matter most.
4. What would make this the wrong call, and the early signal we would see.
5. What we need from whom to proceed.
If the context suggests an option I did not list, add it. If my preferred option is weak, say so plainly.Example output
Recommendation: hire a contractor for 6 months rather than a full-time engineer. Why: we are not sure the integration work lasts past Q2. We would be wrong if: 3 more enterprise clients sign by March.
How to use
Include numbers in CONTEXT wherever you have them, even rough ones. Share the memo before the meeting, not during it.
Why it works
Asking the model to reason before writing produces a sharper recommendation, especially with reasoning models. The "wrong call" section makes the memo honest about risk and gives you something to monitor afterwards.