| name | decision-memo |
| category | kumite-task |
| description | Produce a one-page decision memo: context, options, recommendation, risks, ask. Use when you need a leader to make or ratify a decision asynchronously. Triggers: "draft a decision memo", "we need a one-pager for X", async approval, exec ratification. |
Decision Memo
The format that turns 30-minute meetings into 5-minute approvals.
Quick Reference (the structure)
| Section | Length | Purpose |
|---|
| Title | One line | Decision needed |
| TL;DR | ≤40 words | Recommendation + why |
| Context | 2–4 sentences | Why now |
| Options | 3 max | Pros · cons · cost |
| Recommendation | One option | Why this one |
| Risks & mitigations | 3 max | Top risks + mitigation |
| Ask | One line | What you need + by when |
When to Use
- Async decision needed from an exec or sponsor.
- Decision worth recording (will be referenced later).
- Trade-off where options need to be visible before the choice.
How to Use
Standard structure (Copilot will follow it if you name it):
TITLE — <decision needed>
TL;DR (≤40 words): recommendation + why
Context: <2–4 sentences>
Options: <3 max, each with pros / cons / cost>
Recommendation: <which option, why>
Risks & mitigations: <3 max>
Ask: <what you need from the reader, by when>
Cap at one page. If it doesn't fit, the options aren't sharp enough.
Examples
| Don't: Memo failure | Do: Memo success |
|---|
| "Let me know your thoughts." | "Ask: approve option B by Fri 11/14 EOD." |
| Two options where one is a strawman | Three real options with honest trade-offs |
| Recommendation buried after 3 pages | TL;DR on line 1; recommendation in TL;DR |
| Risks: "execution risk, market risk" | Risks: "vendor lock-in (mitigation: 2-year exit clause)" |
Critical Rules
- One page. No exceptions. If it doesn't fit, the options aren't sharp.
- Recommendation in the TL;DR. Don't make the reader hunt.
- Three options max, all real. Strawmen erode trust.
- Ask is specific and timed. "Approve by Friday EOD" beats "thoughts?"
- Risks have mitigations. Naked risks are noise.
Common Pitfalls
- Two-option memos where one option is a strawman.
- Recommendations buried after three pages of context.
- "Let me know your thoughts" — non-ask.
- Risks listed without mitigations.
- Cost stated for one option but not others.
Anti-Patterns
- Two-option memos where one option is a strawman.
- Recommendations buried after three pages of context.
- "Let me know your thoughts." Specify the decision you need.
- Memo > 1 page.
Verify Before Sending
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