Basics That Actually Stick

Your Tool Decision Score

Ten statements, five categories. Score one real tool decision, either a tool you're weighing or one you've already bought. Score the decision as it is today, not as you hope it will be.

Tip: a 5 means someone on your team would say the same thing, not just you.

1 Not at all2 Slightly3 Somewhat4 Mostly5 Completely

Problem Clarity

– / 10
I can describe the problem this tool should solve in one sentence, without naming a tool.
I can point to a specific time in the last 30 days when this problem cost us time or money.

Ownership

– / 10
One named person will own this tool after it launches.
Someone has already decided who owns the process this tool supports, not just the software.

Fit

– / 10
This tool fits how our team already works, not how I wish they worked.
We have tested it on a real task from our own work, not just watched a demo.

Team Buy-In

– / 10
The people who will use it every day have been asked about it, not just told.
We know which old way this replaces, and the date we'll stop using it.

Cost & Exit

– / 10
I know what this will cost us over the first 12 months, including seats, setup, and the hours to switch.
If it isn't working in 90 days, I know how we'd get our data out and walk away.

0 of 10 statements scored

Build it live

Your Decision Verdict

Four steps. Once all ten statements are scored, this tells you whether to buy, wait, or fix something first.

1Your score
2Your verdict
Your verdict

Not yet

10 to 25 points

The decision isn't ready. Buying now means paying to find out what you could have settled for free.

Your verdict

Almost there

26 to 39 points

The shape is right, but one or two gaps will show up after you've paid. Close them first.

Your verdict

Ready to commit

40 to 50 points

The decision is solid. Buy, then go straight to your Team Agreement and Rollout Plan.

3Your weakest link

Score all ten statements to see the category with your lowest total.

People problems won't be fixed by a better tool. Tool questions can be answered with a little homework.

4Your one thing to settle before you pay

Your next step shows up here once your weakest link is set.

Next: your Team Agreement and Rollout Plan

A good decision still fails if the team never agrees to it. Take this decision to your Team Agreement and Rollout Plan.

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