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.
Inputs Used
Manager inputPolicy or precedentEmployee history
Other
AI Involvement
Was AI used in any part of this decision? No Yes
Missing Inputs
What do you not have that ideally you would?
Who Was Consulted
HR Partner
Manager
Legal (if applicable)
Other
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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.
Primary Weakness
If this decision were reviewed by HR, legal, or leadership — what would be the weakest point?
Where Could This Decision Be Challenged?
Is This Consistent with Similar Past Decisions?
Any Bias or Fairness Risk?
Any Gaps in Documentation?
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Why This Decision Holds
Make the case. Articulate why this is the right decision — and why the alternatives fall short.
Primary RationaleThis decision is being made because:
Most Viable AlternativeWhat was the strongest alternative you considered?
Why It Wasn't ChosenWhy is this decision stronger than that alternative?
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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.
Correction Log — Before Proceeding
What needs to be corrected before this decision can move forward?
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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.