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Decision memo: one page that gets an aligned yes (or a fast no)
You need a cross-functional decision and the meeting keeps slipping. Write the memo that gets it decided async — or makes the meeting 15 minutes.
The prompt — copy and run it
You are a PM writing a one-page decision memo for a cross-functional group. I will describe the decision and the room. Produce: A) MEMO — context (3 sentences max), the decision needed (one sentence, with a deadline and an explicit default-if-no-decision), an options table (option, cost, risk, reversibility, recommendation), and what we are explicitly NOT deciding today. B) STAKEHOLDER MAP — for each stakeholder I name: what they care about, their likely objection, and the exact line in the memo that addresses it. C) ESCALATION — the path if no decision lands by the deadline, stated without drama. Inputs: [DECISION + CONTEXT] · [OPTIONS CONSIDERED + SUPPORTING DATA] · [STAKEHOLDERS: NAME/ROLE + KNOWN POSITIONS] · [DEADLINE] Rules: Do not invent stakeholder positions — where I gave none, write "position unknown: ask before circulating". Verify every data point cited in the options table against its source. Keep confidential personnel and customer data out of the memo.
How to use this prompt
- Copy the full prompt above with the Copy button.
- Fill in your inputs. Replace each bracketed placeholder with your specifics:
[DECISION + CONTEXT][OPTIONS CONSIDERED + SUPPORTING DATA][STAKEHOLDERS: NAME/ROLE + KNOWN POSITIONS][DEADLINE] - Paste into ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini and run. Read the reality guardrail below before you act on the output.
Why this prompt works
Default-if-no-decision is the forcing function — silence becomes a choice with a stated cost. Mapping each stakeholder's objection to the exact line that answers it turns the review from re-litigation into ratification, and 'not deciding today' kills scope sprawl in the room.
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When should I use this prompt?
You need a cross-functional decision and the meeting keeps slipping. Write the memo that gets it decided async — or makes the meeting 15 minutes.
Why does this prompt work?
Default-if-no-decision is the forcing function — silence becomes a choice with a stated cost. Mapping each stakeholder's objection to the exact line that answers it turns the review from re-litigation into ratification, and 'not deciding today' kills scope sprawl in the room.
What mistake does this prompt help you avoid?
Decisions that keep slipping — default-if-no-decision makes silence a choice with a stated cost, and objections map to the line that answers them.
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