Gate outcomes
Every gate produces exactly one outcome. The gate does not leave room for ambiguity — each Decision Gate ends with a single, named result that is recorded, owned, and acted upon.
The four outcomes
GO
Proceed
All four questions answered with clarity. Owner named and logged. Execution may begin. The gate is open.
CHANGE
Adjust first
The decision has merit but requires modification before proceeding. Return to the gate after the change is made.
PAUSE
Wait for clarity
Insufficient information to decide responsibly. Define exactly what is missing and set a return date.
KILL
Stop completely
This decision should not be made. Resources released. Path closed. Reason documented in the Decision Log.
Fast Track Gate NEW v3.0
Decisions with a Reversibility Index of 1–2 may use a simplified gate requiring only two questions:
- Who is the named Decision Owner?
- What is the worst realistic outcome if this decision fails?
A Decision Log entry remains mandatory. Fast Track Gate does not apply to decisions affecting more than one team or involving AI deployment.
Decision Log NEW v3.0
Every gate — including Fast Track — requires a Decision Log entry. A decision without a log entry is treated as a decision not made.
| Field | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Decision name | Yes | A clear, specific description of what was decided. |
| Date | Yes | The date the gate was passed. |
| Decision Owner | Yes | Full name — not a role or team. |
| Reversibility Index | Yes | 1–5 rating with brief justification. |
| Gate outcome | Yes | GO / CHANGE / PAUSE / KILL. |
| Rationale | Yes | Brief summary of why this outcome was reached. |
| Conditions | If applicable | Any conditions attached to a GO or CHANGE outcome. |
The Decision Log is the organization's primary instrument of accountability — its institutional memory of why things were done.
Apply it today — no setup required.
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