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Start with decisions that keep getting stuck
Choose recurring decisions such as pricing exceptions, resource allocation or changes to customer commitments. Describe the actual choice rather than a broad job responsibility. Ask why it escalates: missing authority, missing information, conflicting priorities or a consequence that genuinely needs another level of review.
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Set boundaries that people can use
Identify the decision owner, required input, approval conditions and escalation route. Make limits specific enough for the work while leaving room for judgement. Check the map against formal delegations, policies and governing documents. A working register should clarify existing authority, not quietly create powers people do not have.
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Test with real situations
Walk through a recent decision and a plausible exception. If two people believe they have final authority, resolve the overlap. If everyone is consulted but no one decides, name the decision owner. Review the register after use and update it when roles or business conditions change.
Use this in your business
A decision-register template
- Decision: the recurring choice and its purpose.
- Owner: the person authorised to decide within agreed limits.
- Input: who supplies evidence and who must be consulted.
- Boundary: what makes the decision an exception?
- Record: where the outcome and reasons are retained.
Illustrative example
What this could look like
A customer asks for delivery earlier than the standard schedule. Sales can negotiate the request, but operations must confirm capacity before a commitment is made. Naming that dependency prevents a customer promise from becoming an unplanned operational obligation.
Your next move
Bring the decision into focus.
Pivot Point explicitly includes leadership roles and decision rights in its services. Bring a recurring escalation and the people currently involved.
Start a conversation Meet the advisory teamThis guide is general preparation information. Advice on legal, tax and financial consequences needs to reflect your circumstances.