TDODAR Template - Free Audio Method Questions Structured Decisions

How Can the TDODAR Model Help You Make Quick, Informed Decisions? 30 Essential Questions to Guide You

The TDODAR decision-making framework is designed to facilitate rapid, structured decision-making in high-pressure situations. Originally used in aviation, this technique is now widely applied in various industries for handling complex decisions where time and accuracy are crucial.

TDODAR is a step-by-step process that enables leaders and teams to assess situations, consider available options, and implement the best course of action effectively. The six steps include: Time, Diagnose, Options, Decide, Act, and Review. This structured method ensures that every critical aspect of a decision is considered, even under stress.

TDODAR Model Template with 30 Guiding Questions

Step	Description	Guiding Questions
Time – How much time do you really have?	Assess the time available to make the decision. In some cases, quick action is required, while other situations may allow for more in-depth analysis. Accurately determining the urgency sets the stage for how thorough your process can be.	How much time do you have to make this decision? Can you afford to take more time, or is immediate action required? How will a delay impact the situation or outcome? What is the minimum time required to make a sound decision? What risks arise if you decide too quickly or too slowly?
Diagnose – What is the root cause of the issue?	Analyze the problem or situation thoroughly to understand what’s really at play. Without a proper diagnosis, the rest of the decision-making process may lead to ineffective solutions. A clear understanding of the issue helps in crafting appropriate actions.	What is the core issue or problem that needs solving? What factors are contributing to this problem? Is the problem a symptom of a larger issue? What information or data is missing in this diagnosis? Have you encountered similar problems in the past, and what were the solutions?
Options – What are the available courses of action?	Generate a list of potential solutions or courses of action. Considering multiple options ensures that you aren’t locked into just one way of thinking. Exploring various alternatives helps identify the best path forward.	What are the possible courses of action to resolve this issue? Have all alternative solutions been explored? What are the advantages and risks associated with each option? Which options align best with your resources and constraints? Are there any creative solutions that have been overlooked?
Decide – How do you make the best choice?	Select the best option based on the available information and the criteria established in the previous steps. This stage requires weighing risks and benefits. Clear decision-making is crucial to ensuring effective outcomes.	Which option provides the best balance between risk and reward? How does this decision align with your goals and priorities? What are the short-term and long-term consequences of this decision? What factors are driving your final choice? How will you communicate this decision to all stakeholders?
Act – How do you implement the chosen option?	Once a decision is made, take action quickly and effectively. Ensure that everyone involved knows their roles and responsibilities. Effective implementation is critical to achieving the desired results.	What specific actions need to be taken to execute the decision? Who is responsible for carrying out each part of the plan? What resources are required for successful implementation? How will progress be monitored during execution? How will you handle any obstacles that arise during implementation?
Review – What can be learned from this decision?	After implementing the decision, review its outcomes. Analyze what worked, what didn’t, and what could be improved next time. Continuous learning and improvement help refine future decision-making processes.	Was the decision successful in achieving the desired outcome? What went well, and why? What challenges did you encounter, and how were they addressed? What can be done differently in similar situations going forward? How can you share these lessons with others for future decision-making?

The TDODAR model is an effective decision-making template that allows for structured thinking in high-pressure environments. By moving through its six steps—Time, Diagnose, Options, Decide, Act, and Review—you can ensure that every critical element is considered, enabling more confident and informed decisions.

This framework is especially useful in industries where decisions need to be made quickly but also carry significant consequences. By using TDODAR, teams and leaders can balance urgency with thorough analysis, ensuring decisions are both effective and timely.