Decision memo prompt template
Draft a one-page decision memo that frames the choice, weighs the options, and states a clear recommendation your team can react to quickly.
Free to copy3 fill-in variablesWorks with any text-based AI model
Copy the prompt
Keep the instruction intact and replace each double-braced field with your own context.
Decision memo
Write a concise one-page decision memo for an internal audience.
Decision to be made: {{decision}}
Context and constraints: {{context}}
Options under consideration: {{options}}
Structure the memo exactly like this:
- Title: a single line naming the decision.
- TL;DR: the recommendation in 1-2 sentences.
- Background: why this decision is on the table now (3-4 sentences).
- Options: for each option, give 2-3 pros and 2-3 cons. Be even-handed.
- Recommendation: name the option you favour and the single strongest reason.
- Open risks: what could make this the wrong call, and how to watch for it.
Write plainly. Avoid hype words. Flag any assumption you had to make.
Fill in the variables
Use the examples as a shape, not as required wording.
{{decision}}- The specific decision that needs to be madeExample: Whether to build our own analytics pipeline or buy a hosted tool
{{context}}- Relevant background, constraints, budget, timelineExample: Small data team of 2, 8-week runway, current spreadsheet workflow breaking at scale
{{options}}- The candidate options, separated by commas or new linesExample: Build in-house on our existing warehouse; Buy a hosted product; Do nothing for one more quarter
Filled-in example
This shows the template with realistic inputs before it is sent to a model.
Write a concise one-page decision memo for an internal audience.
Decision to be made: Whether to build our own analytics pipeline or buy a
hosted tool
Context and constraints: Small data team of 2, 8-week runway, current
spreadsheet workflow breaking at scale
Options under consideration: Build in-house on our existing warehouse; Buy a
hosted product; Do nothing for one more quarter
...
How to use this template
Three checks keep the result useful and grounded in your actual task.
- Give it real context.Replace every variable and remove any instruction that does not apply.
- Run it in your preferred model.The template is plain text, so it works with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and local models.
- Review before you rely on it.Check facts, code, claims, and sensitive information; then save the wording that performed best.