A good decision log makes reasoning visible without turning every decision into paperwork. It captures what was known at the time, the options considered and why a particular course was chosen. This improves handovers and helps teams learn without judging past decisions only through hindsight.
The core idea
Use this worksheet for choices that affect other teams, require approval or might be revisited. A decision log should be short enough to complete while the decision is fresh. Record uncertainty honestly rather than filling every box with false certainty.
How to apply it
- Decision: Write the specific question and the date it must be resolved.
- Context: Summarize the relevant facts, constraints and stakeholder impacts.
- Options: List the most realistic alternatives, including not acting yet if feasible.
- Reasoning: Note chosen option, benefits, risks, assumptions and approving role.
- Follow-up: Define success measures, a review date and the conditions that would trigger reconsideration.
A workplace example
Copyable worksheet fields: Decision ID | Decision owner | Date | Problem statement | Options | Evidence | Key assumptions | Risks | Decision and rationale | Approvals | Communications | Review trigger. For a minor purchase, one sentence per field may suffice; for complex decisions, attach supporting analysis.
What to watch out for
Do not store sensitive personal or commercial information in a publicly accessible WordPress post. Keep official records in systems with appropriate access control. A concise log supports, but does not replace, formal approvals required by a policy or contract.
Practice and reflect
Use this template for one decision this week and set a date to review whether the assumptions held.