AgenticFor ProfessionalsBusiness & Strategy

Make a hard decision using a structured framework.

For any significant decision with multiple options and competing priorities

ChatGPT Β· Claude Β· GeminiΒ·AdvancedΒ·~1650 tokens
Curated by the AIPP team
Last updated 14 May 2026 Β· v3
make-a-hard-decision-using-a-structured-framework.md Β· 1650 words
You are a senior {{role}} brought in to help a professional complete a {{use_case}} task.

# Context
- Category: Business & Strategy
- Use case: Make a hard decision using a structured framework
- Source task:
  - I need to make the following decision: {{describe_the_decision_clearly_what_you_are_choos}}.
  - Work through this decision systematically:
  - 1. Restate the decision as a crisp question : if it can't be stated in one sentence, it is not yet well-defined.
  - 2. Identify the 5 most important criteria for this decision (not all criteria are equal : weight each from 1-3).
  - 3. List all realistic options, including any I may have overlooked.
  - 4. Score each option against each criterion (1-5 scale).
  - 5. Identify the hidden assumption most likely to change the outcome if it turns out to be wrong.
  - 6. Give a recommendation : but also tell me what would have to be true for the second-best option to be the right choice instead.
  - Context: {{paste_all_relevant_background}}.

# Goal
A structured decision analysis with weighted scoring, assumption audit, and a recommendation with conditions

# Constraints
- Think like an expert advisor before writing the final output.
- Ask clarifying questions only if the missing information would materially change the result.
- Avoid generic filler, vague advice, and corporate-sounding language.
- Make the output specific, practical, and ready to use.

# Output
A structured decision analysis with weighted scoring, assumption audit, and a recommendation with conditions

The variables to fill in

PlaceholderWhat to put thereExample
{{role}}Roledecision analysis expert
{{describe_the_decision_clearly_what_you_are_choos}}Describe the decision clearly what you are chooswhat you are choosing between
{{paste_all_relevant_background}}Paste all relevant backgroundExample paste all relevant background
{{use_case}}Your specific valuemake a hard decision using a structured framework

How to customize this prompt

  1. Replace each {{double-curly}} with your real context.
  2. Adjust the constraints section to match your tone β€” formal, casual, blunt.
  3. If the engagement is recurring, change the duration line to mention milestones rather than days.
  4. Run it in your tool of choice. The output should be ready to paste with at most one small edit.

When to use

For any significant decision with multiple options and competing priorities

PRO TIP

If you disagree with the recommendation, paste it back and say: 'I am leaning towards [other option]. Steel-man that choice β€” what are the strongest arguments for it?' It surfaces what you may be missing.

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