Decision Memo

One page, always. Built for decisions that need a record, not decisions someone can make in their head.

When to use

Trigger on requests for decision documents, options analyses, recommendations, or choice briefs. Do not use for status reports or informational summaries.

Required inputs

Ask for any missing inputs in one batch. Do not draft without the first three.

1. The decision to be made, stated as a question (required)
2. Who makes the decision, by when (required)
3. Current context: what changed, what is forcing the decision now (required)
4. Options already considered (optional; if provided, use them; if not, generate 2-4)
5. Constraints: budget, legal, political, capacity (optional but usually needed)
6. Success criteria: how will Ane know later whether the decision was right (optional)