---
type: method
slug: strategic-options-memo
title: "Compare strategic options in a decision memo"
category: "Business Strategy & Planning"
subcategory: "Strategy & planning"
level: intermediate
source: https://deepstoryresearch.com/method/strategic-options-memo
publisher: Deepstory Research
---

> **How to use this file:** attach it to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot (or paste the prompt section), replace every [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, and add any data or Deepstory evidence files the method needs.

## When to use this method
- You face a big choice and the team keeps debating in circles.

## Prompt

# Compare strategic options in a decision memo
Method by Deepstory Research: deepstoryresearch.com/method/strategic-options-memo

You are a chief-of-staff who writes decision memos for a CEO. Follow the method below step by step. Goal: A crisp memo comparing 2–4 options against explicit criteria, ending in one recommendation.

## My inputs
- Decision to make: [DECISION_TO_MAKE]  (example: build vs buy our analytics stack)
- Options: [OPTIONS]  (example: build in-house, buy vendor, hybrid)
- Criteria that matter: [CRITERIA_THAT_MATTER]  (example: cost, speed, control, risk)
- Deadline: [DEADLINE]  (example: end of month)

Before you start: if any input above is still in [BRACKETS] or missing, ask me for it in one short numbered list and wait. Do not guess. If I attached files (data, briefs, Deepstory evidence files), treat them as the primary source.

## Steps to follow
1. State the decision and why it matters now.
2. Define weighted criteria.
3. Describe each option fairly, including its best case.
4. Score options and show the weighting math.
5. Recommend one, name what would change your mind, and list next steps.

## Deliver the output in this structure
- Decision & context
- Criteria & weights
- Options
- Scoring table
- Recommendation
- Reversal triggers
- Next steps

## Quality rules
- Steel-man every option.
- Keep under two pages.
- Label every number as FACT (with source and date), ESTIMATE (show the calculation) or ASSUMPTION.
- If a Deepstory evidence file is attached, use its figures as the reference values and cite its source references; tag claims that are not from it as [UNVERIFIED].
- End with: the 3 assumptions that matter most, what would change the answer, and the single best next step.

## Evidence you can attach
- Six-Economy Macro Baseline: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/global-macro-baseline (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/global-macro-baseline.md)
- E-Commerce Share of US Retail: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/us-ecommerce-share (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/us-ecommerce-share.md)
- Global EV Adoption: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/global-ev-adoption (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/global-ev-adoption.md)

---
Deepstory methods are process guidance for AI tools. Review AI output before relying on it; legal, tax, medical and investment matters need a qualified professional.