Decisions

Decisions are a key output of steering group meetings. StrategiQ helps you record, track, and reference decisions over time.

What is a Decision?

A decision in StrategiQ is a formal record of:

• What was decided - The decision statement
• When it was made - Date and meeting context
• Who made it - The steering group or specific members
• Why it was made - Rationale and context
• Related items - Linked actions, agenda items, or documents

Recording Decisions

1. During a Meeting

   When a decision is made, click “Add Decision” from:

   • The meeting view
   • The relevant agenda item
   • The decisions tab

2. Enter the Decision Statement

   Write a clear, complete statement of what was decided.

   Good: “Approved the 2024 budget of $500,000 with the amendment to increase marketing by 10%”

   Poor: “Budget approved”

3. Add Context

   Include:

   • Rationale (why this decision was made)
   • Alternatives considered (if relevant)
   • Conditions or caveats

4. Link to Agenda Item

   Connect the decision to the agenda item it came from.

5. Save

   The decision is now recorded and linked to the meeting.

Decision Details

Each decision record includes:

Field	Description
Title/Statement	The decision itself
Date	When the decision was made
Meeting	Which meeting it came from
Agenda Item	Specific agenda item (if linked)
Status	Implementation status
Notes	Additional context or rationale
Links	Related actions, documents

Decision Statuses

Track implementation progress:

Pending

Decision recorded but implementation hasn’t started.

In Progress

Implementation is underway. Actions are being executed.

Completed

Decision has been fully implemented.

Superseded

A newer decision has replaced this one.

Deferred

Implementation postponed to a later date.

Linking Decisions

Decisions can be linked to other items:

Linking to Actions

When a decision requires follow-up work:

1. Open the decision
2. Click “Add Link” or “Create Action”
3. Link existing actions or create new ones
4. Actions now reference the decision that spawned them

Tip

Linking actions to decisions creates traceability - you can always find why an action exists.

Linking to Agenda Items

Decisions are typically linked to agenda items automatically when created during a meeting. To add or change links:

1. Open the decision
2. Go to “Links”
3. Add link to an agenda item

Linking to Documents

Attach supporting documents:

1. Open the decision
2. Add link to relevant documents
3. Documents provide context for future reference

Viewing Decisions

Decision Table

The steering group’s Decisions tab shows all decisions in a table:

• Sortable by date, status, or title
• Filterable by status, date range, or meeting
• Searchable across all decision text

In Meeting Context

View decisions made in a specific meeting:

1. Open the meeting
2. Go to Decisions section
3. See all decisions from that meeting

By Agenda Item

See decisions related to a specific agenda item:

1. Open the meeting
2. Click on the agenda item
3. View linked decisions

Decision Best Practices

Writing Good Decisions

Be specific:

• Include numbers, dates, names when relevant
• State exactly what is approved/rejected/deferred
• Avoid ambiguous language

Include context:

• Note key considerations
• Record dissenting views if significant
• Link to supporting information

Make it actionable:

• If implementation is needed, create linked actions
• Assign responsibility
• Set deadlines if applicable

Tracking Implementation

1. Create Actions - Turn decision outcomes into tasks
2. Regular Review - Check decision status in subsequent meetings
3. Update Status - Mark as completed when implemented
4. Link Back - When reviewing actions, reference originating decisions

Building Institutional Memory

Decisions create organizational history:

• Future members can see past decisions and rationale
• Avoid re-debating settled issues
• Understand how policies evolved
• Maintain consistency over time

Note

Even “no decision” outcomes can be worth recording - noting that something was discussed but deferred prevents confusion later.

Searching Decisions

Find past decisions:

1. Use global search with keywords
2. Filter by steering group
3. Filter by date range
4. Search within decision text

Useful for:

• Checking precedents
• Finding related decisions
• Preparing for related discussions

Reporting on Decisions

Generate decision reports:

1. Go to the steering group
2. Access the Decisions tab
3. Use export options
4. Filter by date range as needed

Include in reports:

• Decision summary
• Implementation status
• Related actions and their status

Next Steps

• Follow-ups - Manage actions from decisions
• Managing Meetings - Meeting lifecycle
• Agendas & Templates - Structure discussions