decision-memo

name	decision-memo
description	Create decision memos that frame context, options, tradeoffs, risks, recommendation, and implementation implications. Use when Codex needs to turn analysis, stakeholder input, ambiguous choices, or strategic questions into a structured decision document for enterprise leaders.

Decision Memo

Workflow

1. Clarify the decision to be made, decision owner, deadline, and audience.
2. Separate facts, assumptions, constraints, preferences, and unknowns.
3. Define 2-4 viable options, including a default or no-change option when relevant.
4. Compare options using business impact, speed, cost, risk, reversibility, and operating complexity.
5. Recommend one option with explicit rationale, risks, and next steps.

Output Standard

Use this structure by default:

• Decision Required: the exact choice to make.
• Recommendation: one clear recommendation and why.
• Context: relevant background and current state.
• Options Considered: options, benefits, costs, and risks.
• Tradeoff Analysis: compact comparison of the decision criteria.
• Risks And Mitigations: material risks and how to reduce them.
• Implementation Notes: owners, first steps, dependencies, and success measures.
• Open Questions: unresolved facts that could change the recommendation.

Rules

• Do not hide uncertainty. Label assumptions and missing information.
• Do not create a false consensus when stakeholder positions conflict.
• Prefer reversible, low-regret recommendations when evidence is thin.
• Make the decision path auditable enough for later review.

References

Read references/memo-patterns.md when the user asks for a one-page memo, executive committee memo, or weighted decision matrix.