What it is
A one-page decision memo board for getting a clear yes or no from an approver. You state the decision in one sentence, lay out real options (always including "do nothing"), bring the evidence including the cases that failed, put limits on each risk, and count both the cost to execute and the opportunity cost.
What it helps you achieve
Faster approvals with fewer surprises. The approver can decide from the first sentence, see what you compared, and know in advance when the plan should stop. Most memos fail because the ask is buried, the options are not real, or risks have no limit. This board makes those gaps visible before you send.
Who it is for
Managers, strategy and finance teams, project leads, and anyone writing an investment, budget, hiring, or vendor decision for a senior approver.
How to use it
Write the request: Approve [what], [how much], by [when].
Fill the options table: A (recommended), B, and C: Do nothing, each with what it means and its cost.
Add comparable cases (include ones that failed) and key numbers with sources.
For each major risk, add likelihood, impact, how much you can absorb, and a stop signal.
Write the cost to execute, the opportunity cost, and how easy it is to reverse.
Run the 6-point check before you send, and pre-brief the approver (the No-Surprise Rule).
Source and full guide with a before-and-after example and a printable PDF: pickenough.com/decision-memo-template
