The Framing Test™: Validate Decisions Before Execution Begins

What This Tool Does

The Framing Test™ prevents the Framing Tax™—the hidden cost of executing the wrong decision.

It ensures:

  • Decisions are clearly defined
  • Trade-offs are explicit
  • Constraints are understood

The 4-Point Framing Test™

Before approving any initiative, answer:

1. Can the decision be stated in one sentence?

☐ Yes ☐ No

2. Is the trade-off explicit?

☐ Yes ☐ No

3. Is the time horizon clear?

☐ Yes ☐ No

4. Is the constraint acknowledged?

☐ Yes ☐ No

Decision Rule

If ANY answer = No
→ Do NOT proceed
→ Return for re-framing

Critical Insight

A misframed decision does not fail at execution—it fails before execution begins.

P&L Impact

Poor framing leads to:

  • Misallocated capital
  • Margin erosion
  • Delayed revenue
  • Compounding execution waste

Next Step → Use the Decision Architecture Scorecard to diagnose systemic issues