Greatness Questions
A diagnostic framework based on Jim Collins' research to assess whether your company has the potential for enduring greatness.
Leadership
Decision Journal
A systematic approach to improving decision quality by documenting and reviewing key choices.
1What It Is
The Decision Journal is a tool for developing decision-making skill over time. By documenting your reasoning before outcomes are known, you can identify patterns in your thinking and systematically improve.
2When To Use It
Use this journal for any significant decision—hiring, strategy, investment, partnership. The discipline of writing forces clarity, and the review process accelerates learning.
3Steps
- 1.Document the decision and context before deciding
- 2.List the options considered and your reasoning
- 3.Assign probability estimates to potential outcomes
- 4.Note your emotional state and potential biases
- 5.Record the final decision and expected timeline
- 6.Schedule a review date to assess the outcome
4Examples
Tech Example
Jeff Bezos's famous 'regret minimisation framework' and insistence on written memos exemplify the principles behind decision journaling at scale.
Luxury Example
Bernard Arnault's documented approach to brand acquisitions—with clear criteria and post-acquisition reviews—demonstrates decision journaling in luxury conglomerate management.
Download Template
Get the PDF template to apply this framework to your business.