Manifestos/Principles

Decision Tree Mapping

Complex decisions have many factors and paths. Decision Tree Mapping visualizes these structures. It shows all options, decision points, and outcomes. This exercise creates navigable maps of complex decision spaces, helping teams make better choices. Use it for high-stakes decisions, team disagreements, or decision paralysis. Visualization reveals unseen options. Be realistic: this needs time. Only use for truly complex, important decisions. Expect demanding work mapping decision logic. Teams gain clarity on decision criteria when it works.

Duration
4.5 hours
Group Size
8-15
Category
Manifestos/Principles
Difficulty
Easy
Map the complete decision space showing all options and paths. Identify decision criteria and tradeoffs at each branch point. Evaluate paths against criteria to find optimal routes. Create a reusable decision framework for similar future decisions.

  • A visual decision tree for complex choices.

  • Clear logic for navigation and outcomes.

  • Documented decision pathways.

Before: Ensure the decision needs this much time. During: Manage complexity. Prune unviable branches early. After: Document the tree and use it for communication.

  1. Decision Framing (30 min): Define the decision's scope and constraints.

  2. Option Generation (45 min): Identify all potential decision paths.

  3. Tree Construction (90 min): Build a visual decision tree with all branches.

  4. Criteria Development (30 min): Establish decision criteria and tradeoffs.

  5. Path Evaluation (60 min): Score each path against the criteria.

  6. Recommendation (15 min): Identify the recommended path with rationale.

Unlock Step-by-Step Instructions

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

Unlock Pre-Work Requirements

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.


  • Massive wall space.

  • Sticky notes (500+).

  • Markers.

  • Decision criteria template.

  • Scoring framework.

Unlock Materials Required

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

Discussion

0/2000
Loading comments...

Related Exercises

See all exercises

Manifesto Development

1.5 hours

Manifestos inspire movements; principles guide decisions. This 90-minute exercise helps teams turn principles into a compelling manifesto. It works be...

Manifestos/principles

Theme Discovery

2 hours

Research yields raw data: interviews, surveys, observations. Theme Discovery transforms this into insights by pinpointing patterns. In 2 hours, affini...

Manifestos/principles

Reaction Cards

2.5 hours

Customers struggle to express feelings. Reaction Cards provides the vocabulary. Using adjective cards (energetic, trustworthy, innovative, overwhelmin...

Manifestos/principles