Making decisions
The quick decision framework
The quick decision framework
5 minutes
This framework helps you make decisions quickly, clearly and calmly – without overthinking or second-guessing yourself.
1
Name the decision
Be explicit. Vague decisions take longer.
Ask yourself:
• What exactly needs to be decided?
• Is this a one-way decision (hard to reverse) or a two-way decision (easy to adjust)?
Most leadership decisions are two-way. Treat them that way.
Ask yourself:
• What exactly needs to be decided?
• Is this a one-way decision (hard to reverse) or a two-way decision (easy to adjust)?
Most leadership decisions are two-way. Treat them that way.
2
Set a “good enough” bar
Perfection is rarely required.
Ask:
• What does “good enough for now” look like?
• What information is essential and what is optional?
→ If the decision meets the bar, move on.
→ If it doesn’t meet the bar, be clear about what’s missing, how you’ll get it, and who else you may need to consult — then set a short time limit to revisit the decision.
This keeps decisions moving without rushing.
Ask:
• What does “good enough for now” look like?
• What information is essential and what is optional?
→ If the decision meets the bar, move on.
→ If it doesn’t meet the bar, be clear about what’s missing, how you’ll get it, and who else you may need to consult — then set a short time limit to revisit the decision.
This keeps decisions moving without rushing.
3
Decide and communicate simply
Make the call. Then state it clearly.
Use language like:
• “Here’s the decision we’re making…”
• “This is what we’re trying for…”
• “We’ll review this in [timeframe].”
Clarity builds trust, even when people disagree.
Use language like:
• “Here’s the decision we’re making…”
• “This is what we’re trying for…”
• “We’ll review this in [timeframe].”
Clarity builds trust, even when people disagree.
4
Review, don’t ruminate
Set a short review point.
Use language like:
• What worked?
• What didn’t?
• What would we adjust next time?
This turns every decision into learning, not pressure.
Use language like:
• What worked?
• What didn’t?
• What would we adjust next time?
This turns every decision into learning, not pressure.
A final note
Quick decisions don’t mean rushed decisions.
They mean structured, intentional and re-visitable decisions.
When you decide, act, and learn in small cycles, confidence grows for you and your team.
This is how leaders stay calm, credible and effective when things move fast.
by
Julie Barton
Coach at Hellomonday | Coached over 2000 leaders