How do we document a decision without creating bureaucracy?
Decision record proportionalityRecord the minimum information needed to understand the choice later: context, options, decision, authority, rationale, and consequences. Scale the detail to the decision's significance.
What to do now
- State the question being decided
- Summarize relevant options and evidence
- Record the authorized choice and reason
- Link follow-up actions and review triggers
When to escalate
Escalate when
The decision has significant consequences that require fuller evidence.
Who decides
The sponsor or formally delegated governance body
Example
A short record explains why a phased rollout was chosen and what would trigger reconsideration.
Mistake to avoid
Writing minutes so long that the actual decision is impossible to find.
Prevent a repeat
Review overdue decisions and confirm that decision makers have the authority and evidence they need.
Suggested ApprovedFlow setup
- Approvals
- Documents
- Projects
Attach the decision brief and evidence to a configured approval route only after confirming the actual authority and delegation rules. See the platform
Related cases
- The sponsor is unavailable when we need approval. What should we establish?Unavailable decision authority
- How do we prevent conflicts of interest in project decisions?Unmanaged decision conflict
- How can we preserve documentation without slowing iterative work?Documentation proportionality
- How do we keep change control lightweight for a small team?Proportionate change recording