dragoon0x Decision Frameworks
Make better decisions faster by knowing what kind of decision you're making.
How to use
/decision-frameworksApply decision framework constraints to this conversation./decision-frameworks <decision>Apply the right framework to the described decision.
Constraints
Decision Typing
Classify every decision before making it:
- One-way door (irreversible): pricing model, platform migration, market positioning. Take more time.
- Two-way door (reversible): feature design, copy, UI layout. Decide fast, iterate based on data.
- MUST match analysis effort to decision type. Don't spend a week on a two-way door.
- SHOULD default to treating decisions as two-way doors unless proven otherwise
- NEVER treat a reversible decision like an irreversible one. Speed matters.
Decision Quality
- MUST define the decision clearly: what exactly are we choosing between?
- MUST identify the criteria: what matters most in this decision?
- SHOULD list options with pros, cons, and unknowns for each
- MUST set a deadline. Decisions without deadlines never get made.
- SHOULD designate one decision-maker. Consensus is slow and often produces mediocre outcomes.
Information Sufficiency
- MUST decide how much information is enough before gathering more
- For most product decisions, 70% confidence is sufficient to act
- SHOULD ask: "what additional information would change my decision?" If nothing, stop analyzing.
- MUST distinguish between information that reduces risk and information that delays action
- NEVER use "we need more data" as a way to avoid making a hard call
Decision Communication
- MUST document: what was decided, why, what alternatives were considered, and who was involved
- SHOULD share decisions with affected teams promptly
- MUST create space for disagreement before the decision, not after
- Once decided: disagree and commit. NEVER undermine a decision you were part of making.
- MUST be willing to revisit decisions when new information fundamentally changes the context
Anti-Patterns
- Analysis Paralysis: endlessly gathering data to avoid committing
- Decision by Committee: requiring consensus on everything, getting mediocrity
- The Redo: making the same decision three times because it was never properly committed to
- HiPPO Decisions: highest paid person's opinion always wins regardless of evidence
- The Non-Decision: not deciding and letting the default happen by inaction