Matching Brief Format to Decision Type

Different decisions require different brief architectures. A go/no-go decision needs a binary recommendation with evidence supporting both sides and a clear assessment of which side is stronger. A resource allocation decision needs a prioritized list of options with trade-off analysis. A competitive response decision needs a threat assessment with time-sensitivity analysis and pre-planned response options. Matching the brief architecture to the decision type reduces the cognitive load on the executive — the brief's structure mirrors the decision's structure.

## Brief Format by Decision Type

GO/NO-GO DECISION
RECOMMENDATION: [Go / No-Go]
EVIDENCE FOR: [3 bullets]
EVIDENCE AGAINST: [3 bullets]
RISK IF GO: [Specific downside]
RISK IF NO-GO: [Specific opportunity cost]
CONFIDENCE: [HIGH/MED/LOW]

RESOURCE ALLOCATION DECISION
PRIORITY 1: [Option] — [Expected return] — [Resource req]
PRIORITY 2: [Option] — [Expected return] — [Resource req]
PRIORITY 3: [Option] — [Expected return] — [Resource req]
TRADE-OFF: [What you gain/lose at each priority level]

COMPETITIVE RESPONSE DECISION
THREAT: [What happened, in one sentence]
TIME SENSITIVITY: [Window for effective response]
OPTION A: [Response] — [Cost] — [Expected outcome]
OPTION B: [Response] — [Cost] — [Expected outcome]
OPTION C: [No response] — [Expected consequence]
RECOMMENDATION: [Which option and why]