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Decision Making Framework

1. Overview​

To avoid bottlenecks and "analysis paralysis," we use structured frameworks for making decisions. Not all decisions require the same level of scrutiny.

2. The Two Types of Decisions​

We follow the Bezos "One-Way vs. Two-Way Door" model:

Type 1: One-Way Doors (Irreversible)​

  • Definition: High stakes, hard to reverse (e.g., Hiring a C-level exec, changing pricing model, signing a 3-year lease).
  • Process: Requires the RAPID Framework. Needs written analysis (Briefs) in MS Loop.
  • Approver: Founder/CEO.

Type 2: Two-Way Doors (Reversible)​

  • Definition: Low stakes, easy to fix if wrong (e.g., A/B testing a landing page, changing a weekly meeting time, trying a new software tool).
  • Process: "Disagree and Commit." Make the decision quickly based on 70% information.
  • Approver: Project Lead or Department Head.

3. The RAPID Framework (For Type 1 Decisions)​

For complex decisions, we assign clear roles to avoid ambiguity.

  • R - Recommend: The person who proposes the plan (usually the subject matter expert).
  • A - Agree: People who must sign off (e.g., CFO for budget, Legal for compliance). Keep this group small.
  • P - Perform: The people who will actually do the work.
  • I - Input: People consulted for expertise, but who do not have a veto.
  • D - Decide: The single person responsible for the final "Yes/No."

4. Documentation​

All Type 1 decisions must be documented in the Decision Log (MS Loop Component) with:

  1. Context/Problem.
  2. Options Considered.
  3. Decision Made.
  4. Why (Rationale).
  5. Date & Owner.

5. Decision Delegation Matrix​

  • Strategic Direction: Founder/CEO.
  • Hiring/Firing: Department Head (with CEO approval for Key Hires per System 08).
  • Budget Spend (Under $500): Individual Contributor.
  • Budget Spend (>$500): Department Head + Finance Review System 07.
  • Content/Creative: Content Director System 05.

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