Decision Memo Builder

A 1-page memo that forces a decision. Not a status update. Not a brief. Not a FYI. The reader walks away knowing exactly what they are being asked to approve, by when, and why.

Memo DNA — four non-negotiables

Every decision memo must pass all four. If the draft fails one, rewrite. Do not ship a memo that fails Memo DNA.

1. Brutal brevity — 1 page, ~400 words max. Every sentence earns its place or gets cut.
2. Storyline clarity (SCP) — Situation → Complication → Resolution flow. Reader never asks "so what?"
3. Decision-forcing — Last line is a yes/no ask with owner and date. Never "further analysis needed."
4. Evidence density — Every claim backed by a number, quote, or source. No adjectives doing load-bearing work.

Structure