Executive Decision Memo

01

Start with the requested decision

Name the decision, the decision-maker and the required date. Write the recommendation in one sentence before adding context. A memo should help a reader locate the choice and its consequences.

02

Complete the memo

1. 01

   Decision required: what must be approved, selected or changed, by whom and by when?

2. 02

   Context: why is a decision needed now, and what happens if no action is taken?

3. 03

   Evidence: what has been observed, over which period and population, against which baseline?

4. 04

   Alternatives: compare the recommendation, a credible alternative and the status quo using the same economics and constraints.

5. 05

   Recommendation: explain the expected outcome, trade-offs and assumptions. Label estimates separately from observations.

6. 06

   Execution: name the accountable owner, dependencies and next decision point.

7. 07

   Review: state the evidence that would justify continuation, expansion, revision or a pause.

03

Illustrative example

The download includes a fictional offer-pilot memo. It recommends extending a controlled test when early response is encouraging but profit and credit outcomes are not yet mature. The example is synthetic and contains no company data.

04

How to use it

Download the Markdown file, copy the blank template and replace the bracketed prompts. Keep the main decision concise; put supporting analysis in an appendix. The template is a personal working aid, not a substitute for the governance required in your organization.