# Decision Memo

> 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.

- Skill: `clarentcinematics/decision-memo` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 3 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add clarentcinematics/decision-memo`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/clarentcinematics/decision-memo/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Product & Planning
- Author: ClarentCinematics (https://skillmd.com/u/clarentcinematics)
- Updated: 2026-09-21
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/clarentcinematics/decision-memo

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# 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.