Benefits from Writing a Decision Making Document

Published: Jan 31, 2005

You may question the investment of time you expend on writing a formal document just to make a decision about a problem or an opportunity (probortunity.)

Here are some of the returns on such an investment.

You will develop a set of thought processes you can recall when facing any future problem or opportunity, however big or small. Scribbled notes will look like an outline for a formal written document. You will be thinking more clearly.
You will have a repository for your ideas, information as it's gathered or inputs from various data sources when you have a long protracted or complex situation.
You will have a device for keeping on track through a complex process.
You will have a discussion paper for communicating with third parties. Your lawyer will appreciate you having all your facts and thoughts in order.
You will have a written record of what information was available at the time a decision was made and how a decision was reached.

The returns are large when compared with the small investment.

You don't have to be a good writer if it's for your own internal use.
You can always have someone else polish your notes for a formal presentation.
You will probably not have to write too many before your improved decision making skill becomes a habit.
The rewards for a good decision maker are great.

Written documentation is intended for those occasions that lie between an on-the-spot decision and a full business plan.

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