ORAPAPA Template - Free Audio Method Questions Decision-Making

How Can ORAPAPA Help You Make Well-Rounded Decisions? 35 Key Questions

The ORAPAPA Template framework is a comprehensive decision-making tool designed to evaluate decisions from multiple angles. It stands for Opportunities, Risks, Alternatives, Past Experience, Analysis, People, and Alignment. By systematically addressing each of these components, you can make more balanced and informed decisions. This technique encourages a 360-degree view of the decision-making process, ensuring that nothing important is overlooked.

This template serves as a structured approach for businesses and teams seeking to improve the depth and quality of their decision-making processes. The ORAPAPA framework is useful for identifying opportunities, recognizing potential risks, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

ORAPAPA Template with 35 Key Questions to Evaluate Decisions

Step	Description	Guiding Questions
Opportunities – What potential opportunities can we unlock?	This step focuses on identifying and understanding the possible opportunities that can arise from the decision. Spotting opportunities early allows the team to maximize benefits and act proactively.	What are the potential benefits of this decision? What new opportunities can arise if we move forward with this choice? How does this decision align with our long-term objectives? Can this decision open up new markets or customers? What competitive advantages could we gain from this opportunity?
Risks – What are the associated risks, and how can we mitigate them?	This stage assesses the risks involved in the decision. By identifying risks early, teams can create contingency plans and avoid being blindsided by unforeseen events.	What are the key risks of this decision? How severe could the negative consequences be? How can we mitigate or manage these risks? What are the early warning signs of failure? How might this decision affect our reputation or financial health?
Alternatives – What alternative paths should we consider?	Exploring alternatives helps ensure that the best option is chosen. It’s important to evaluate all potential courses of action to avoid prematurely locking into one decision.	What other options are available to us? Are there less risky alternatives to consider? Could combining alternatives create a better solution? What would happen if we took no action? How do these alternatives compare in terms of costs and benefits?
Past Experience – How have past decisions informed our current thinking?	This step involves reflecting on previous decisions to avoid repeating mistakes. Learning from past successes and failures can guide better choices.	What have we learned from similar past decisions? What worked well in previous situations, and what didn’t? How have we handled similar risks or opportunities before? What patterns can we identify from past experiences? What would we do differently this time?
Analysis – What data and insights inform this decision?	This stage focuses on gathering and interpreting relevant data. Data-driven decisions are generally more reliable, as they rely on factual evidence rather than assumptions.	What data supports this decision? What are the key metrics we should analyze? How reliable is the data we're using? What does the data say about the potential success or failure of this decision? Are there any gaps in the data that we need to address?
People – Who are the key stakeholders and decision-makers?	People are at the center of every decision. Understanding who will be impacted and who holds decision-making power is critical to successful implementation.	Who will be directly affected by this decision? Who are the key decision-makers in this process? How can we involve all relevant stakeholders in the decision-making process? How will this decision impact different teams or departments? What concerns might stakeholders have, and how can we address them?
Alignment – How well does this decision align with our values and goals?	This final step evaluates how the decision fits with organizational objectives and values. Alignment ensures that the decision not only achieves short-term goals but also contributes to long-term success.	How does this decision align with our mission and vision? Does this decision reflect our core values? Will this choice support long-term organizational goals? How can we ensure alignment with broader business strategies? What compromises are necessary to maintain alignment?

The ORAPAPA template framework is an effective technique for evaluating decisions from a holistic perspective, ensuring that all critical factors are considered. This template can help you uncover risks, explore alternatives, and align decisions with both immediate needs and long-term goals.

Incorporating ORAPAPA into your decision-making process creates a more balanced and well-informed approach. By addressing opportunities, risks, and alignment with organizational values, this framework ensures that decisions are not only effective but also sustainable in the long run.