decision-matrix

Decision Matrix

What It Does

Takes the guesswork out of tough decisions by applying structured frameworks. Instead of spinning in circles with pros/cons lists, you get a repeatable system for comparing options, weighting what matters, and reaching a conclusion you can explain and defend.

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Frameworks Available

1. Classic Pros & Cons (Benjamin Franklin Method)

Best for: Quick decisions with low-to-moderate stakes

Step	Action
1	Draw two columns: PROS and CONS
2	List every reason for and against — no filtering
3	Weigh each item (not all pros are equal). Assign +1 to +5 for pros, -1 to -5 for cons
4	Sum the scores. A net positive suggests "yes." Consider emotional weight too

Guardrail: Pros/cons alone miss hidden assumptions. Always follow with: "What am I not considering?"

2. Weighted Decision Matrix (Pugh Matrix)

Best for: Comparing multiple options against multiple criteria

| Criteria               | Weight (1-5) | Option A | Option B | Option C |
|------------------------|-------------|----------|----------|----------|
| Cost                   |      4      |   8/10   |   6/10   |   9/10   |
| Time to Market         |      3      |   7/10   |   9/10   |   5/10   |
| Strategic Fit          |      5      |   9/10   |   4/10   |   7/10   |
| Team Capacity          |      2      |   6/10   |   8/10   |   4/10   |
| **Weighted Total**     |             |   113    |   92     |   103    |

Steps:

1. List all viable options (rows)
2. Define criteria that matter (columns)
3. Assign a weight (1-5) to each criterion based on importance
4. Score each option per criterion (1-10)
5. Multiply score × weight, sum across criteria
6. Highest weighted total wins — but sanity-check the result

3. Pre-Mortem

Best for: High-stakes decisions where risk mitigation is critical

"It's 12 months from now and our decision has failed spectacularly. How did it happen?"

Step	Technique
1	Assume the decision was made and led to disaster
2	Fast-forward and write the "post-mortem" — what went wrong?
3	Generate 5-10 plausible failure modes
4	For each failure, ask: "What could prevent this?"
5	Incorporate those safeguards into the decision