How to run a decision-making meeting
The short answer
Name the decision and who makes it before the meeting. Share the options and a recommendation in advance, use the meeting to discuss trade-offs and risks, then decide using the agreed method. Record the decision, the reasons and the owner, and tell people who weren't there.
Step by step
- 1
Name the decision and the decider
Is it the leader, a vote or consensus?
- 2
Share options in advance
Each with pros, cons and a recommendation.
- 3
Discuss trade-offs
Focus on what you gain and give up with each option.
- 4
Decide
Use the method you agreed; don't reopen it at the end.
- 5
Record and share
The decision, the reasons, the owner and the date.
Common mistakes
- Unclear who has the final say.
- Seeing options for the first time in the meeting.
- Not recording why the decision was made.
Acta's decision log keeps each decision with who made it, the reasons and how it changed later.
Try Acta free for 15 daysQuestions
What is a decision log?
A record of decisions with the date, who made them, the reasons and the owner.
Should every decision be made in a meeting?
No. Many can be made in writing; meet when the trade-offs need discussion.