The Hidden Cost of Undocumented Decisions

Teams make decisions every day. Many of them happen in meetings, side conversations, or quick messages, and then everyone moves on.

The problem is that undocumented decisions do not stay decisions for long. They turn into assumptions, rework, conflicting actions, and time spent re-deciding what was already settled.

Organizations that incorporate a simple discipline can prevent this.

1.      Write down the decision, not just the discussion.

2.      Capture the rationale and constraints in one or two clear sentences.

3.      Confirm who owns next steps and where the record lives.

Clear decisions create momentum. Documented decisions protect it.

If you are interested in a practical, template-driven approach to documenting decisions clearly and defensibly, you can learn more here: Documentation That Protects You | Business Consulting

-- Ruth

posted on LinkedIn 01/13/2026