Techniques 1.207 — Criteria Checklist in Wise Decision-making (including when to say no)
Introduction
Use this checklist before committing to a new change initiative or major decision.
Answer each question by responding ‘Yes’ or ‘No’
If most answers are YES, then proceed; if several answers are NO, then pause or decline.
- Alignment with Purpose & Strategy
- Does this change clearly support your organisation’s vision, mission or strategy? (Yes/No)
- Will it prevent “strategic drift” or duplication of effort? (Yes/No)
- Stakeholder Readiness & Engagement
- Are leaders aligned and actively supportive? (Yes/No)
- Are staff ready and prepared for the change? (Yes/No)
- Value vs. Cost (Resources & Priorities)
- Do expected benefits outweigh costs and effort? (Yes/No)
- Can you resource this change without undermining higher priorities? (Yes/No)
- Risk & Timing
- Are risks understood and mitigated? (Yes/No)
- Is now the right time (given other pressures and external conditions)? (Yes/No)
- Evidence & Learning
- Is there data, a pilot or past evidence of this change approach working? (Yes/No)
- Do we have a mechanism to learn and adapt along the way? (Yes/No)
- Cultural Fit
- Does the change align with, or constructively stretch, your culture? (Yes/No)
- Can cultural barriers be addressed realistically? (Yes/No)
- Sustainability
- Will this change be owned and maintained by key stakeholders from start to finish? (Yes/No)
- Can it survive key stakeholders’ withdrawal? (Yes/No)
- Ethical & Human Impact
- Will this change treat people fairly and build trust? (Yes/No)
- Could it negatively affect wellbeing, trust, or values? (Yes/No)
NB
Say NO when:
- It isn’t aligned with strategy.
- Resources are overstretched.
- Staff show high change fatigue.
- Risks outweigh benefits.
- Leadership commitment is missing.
- It’s politically or trend-driven, not evidence-based.
Quick Test: Pause – Probe – Pivot
- Pause: Don’t rush into “yes” response.
- Probe: Ask tough questions using this checklist.
- Pivot: Explore alternatives if answers aren’t clear.
(main source: Mindtool Content Team, 2025e)