RAPID Framework for Organizational Decisions Without Deadlock

Apply the RAPID Framework to unblock a critical decision in my organization.

**The Decision at Hand:**
- Description: [DESCRIBE THE DECISION]
- Why it's stalled: [EXPLAIN — e.g., many stakeholders, no owner, conflicting opinions, fear of making the wrong call]
- How long it's been pending: [TIME PERIOD]
- Impact of NOT deciding: [DESCRIBE THE COST OF INACTION]
- People involved: [LIST WITH TITLE AND STAKE IN THE DECISION]

**Apply RAPID:**

1) **R — Recommend (Who recommends?):**
- Who should research and bring a structured recommendation?
- Recommendation format: options analysis, pros/cons, recommendation with justification
- Deadline to deliver the recommendation: [SUGGEST]

2) **A — Agree (Who must agree?):**
- Who has veto power? (keep it to a minimum — 1 to 2 people)
- Clear approval criteria: what would convince this person?
- Process if there's a veto: how do you resolve the impasse?

3) **P — Perform (Who executes?):**
- Once decided, who implements?
- Resources needed
- Execution timeline

4) **I — Input (Who provides input?):**
- Who should be consulted BEFORE the decision?
- Input format: asynchronous (document) or synchronous (short meeting)
- Deadline to submit input: [SUGGEST]
- Rule: input is considered but is not a veto

5) **D — Decide (Who decides?):**
- ONE person with final authority (not a committee)
- What happens if the Decider disagrees with the Recommender?
- Decision communication: who informs whom, through what channel

**Complete RAPID Map:**
- Visual table: Person | Role (R/A/P/I/D) | Specific Responsibility | Deadline

**Decision Timeline:**
- Day 1-[N]: Input collection
- Day [N]: Recommender delivers recommendation
- Day [N+1]: Agree validates or vetoes
- Day [N+2]: Decider makes the call
- Day [N+3]: Communication and execution begins

**Future Prevention:**
- RAPID template for future decisions
- Rule: any decision impacting [CRITERIA] must have RAPID defined before discussion begins
- How to document in the Decision Log

Adapt the language for your business context, where hierarchy matters but collective decision-making is common.