Defensible — The HR Decision Kit
The HR Decision Kit
Before You
Make the Call
Document it before it matters.

You're about to make a people decision. This tool helps you document it clearly and defend it if it's questioned later.

Use this before finalizing or communicating the decision.

Use this when
Termination
Performance action
Promotion or non-promotion
Role or scope change
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What's Being Decided

Capture the decision clearly before proceeding. Precision here protects everything downstream.

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What Informed This Decision

Document what went into this decision — and who was in the room.

Was AI used in any part of this decision?
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Where This Breaks Under Review

Surface the vulnerabilities before someone else does. Honest answers here are what make a decision defensible.

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Why This Decision Holds

Make the case. Articulate why this is the right decision — and why the alternatives fall short.

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Pressure Test

Answer honestly. A No on any question is a signal to pause — not to override.

Can you explain this decision clearly in 60 seconds?
Would this hold if challenged by the employee?
Would you make the same decision again with the same inputs?
Do Not Finalize This Decision Yet
One or more answers indicate this decision is not ready. Proceeding now creates risk.
Return to the section below that addresses the gap, then come back to complete this check.
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Decision Record

This is the formal record. Write it as if it will be read by someone who wasn't in the room.

Final Decision
Date
Decision Owner
Summary Rationale
Decision Documented.

This record is complete. Save or print a copy for your files.

Defensible — The HR Decision Kit
Document it before it matters.  |  © 2026 Culture Craft