Decision rights map template
Download a template that will help you cut decision latency under pressure and make “who decides” explicit, before the moment forces it.
Stop decision fights by assigning one owner for each high-stakes call.
Move faster under stress with time-boxes and automatic escalation triggers.
Reduce preventable damage by making consults clear, without turning them into votes.
Why this matters now
When pressure hits, teams do not fail because they lack a document. They fail because authority gets unclear, decisions get debated in real time, and nobody wants to be blamed for the call.
Unclear decision rights create delays, conflict, and preventable damage. This template is designed to make decision ownership visible, time-bound, and executable.
What's inside
A Clear “Who Decides”
Default rules across Security, Legal, Comms, Operations, and Exec.
A Decision Rights Grid
Which you can fill out in one short session.
A Practical Escalation Triggers Library
For a ransomware scenario to show what “good” looks like.
A Filled-In Example
Which you can fill out in one short session.
Two Debrief Questions
To tighten the map after your first run.
Who this template is for
Best for
CEOs, COOs, CROs, General Counsel, Audit and Risk leaders
CISOs, Heads of Security, IT leaders, Incident Response leads
Comms leaders, Operations leaders, Business continuity owners
Best when
Ransomware or suspected intrusion
Customer data exposure risk
Vendor outage or third-party compromise
AI policy breach or public allegation
Any situation where you expect exec attention and time pressure
How to use this template (3 steps)
Pick one scenario you actually worry about (ransomware, data leak, vendor outage, AI policy breach, public allegation).
List 6 to 10 decisions that always create friction. Assign one decision owner per row. Consults are voices, not votes.
Set time-boxes and escalation triggers, then run one short rehearsal. Update the map based on what broke.
Quick FAQs
Is this template only for cybersecurity incidents?
No. Use it for any high-stakes moment where decisions, handoffs, and external messaging can spiral fast.
We already have a RACI. Why do we need the template?
RACIs often describe responsibility. This map forces a final decision owner, a time-box, and an escalation trigger so you move.
How long does the take to complete?
You can draft a first pass in 15 minutes, then tighten it after a short simulation rehearsal.
Can we customize the escalation triggers?
Yes. Start with defaults, then write down overrides and thresholds that match your business reality.
Who should fill the template out?
The people who will actually be in the room when it hits. Include the decision owners and the required consults.
What should we do after we fill it out?
Run one short rehearsal, then answer the two debrief questions to lock in “pre-approved” decisions that will save time next time.
Want to pressure-test this in a realistic scenario?
Downloading this template is a great start. Even greater value is found when leaders make calls together under time pressure, and they leave with a clear record of what slowed them down and what needs to change.
A consistent, board-ready after-action template that proves readiness by capturing what you rehearsed, where decisions slowed, and what changes shipped with owners and dates.