methodatlas
Decision Making

Impact Filter

Turns options, criteria, and risks into a tangible result by naming an initiative, defining desired impact, and selecting the next smallest step.

Core question
Is this initiative worth starting now, and if so what is the smallest next step?
LowWorkshop + async20-45 min
Open runsheetPlan sessionStart comparison
Purpose

The method helps clarify options, criteria, and risks concretely. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as an Impact Filter, Success Criteria, and Next Step.

How it works

The team follows the steps: name the initiative, define the desired impact, define success criteria, note risks and dependencies, and choose the next smallest step. Each step is captured visibly. At the end, an Impact Filter, Success Criteria, and Next Step are available so decisions, tests, or actions can follow directly.

Visual orientation

Method sketch for a quick mental model.

Impact Filter · Strategic CoachCheck an initiative with a few guiding questions on purpose, impact, success criteria, risks, and next step
Impact FilterThe visual shows an initiative, a question grid for purpose, outcome, risks, and success criteria, plus a decision with a next step.Check an initiative for impact before startingThe filter turns an idea into an assessable initiative with outcome, measures, and next step.question gridclear decisionmove measurablyInitiativeWhat are we actuallystarting?PurposeWhy does it matter?Ideal outcomeWhat does success looklike concretely?RisksWhat could preventimpact?CriteriaHow do we measure theoutcome?Decidego, sharpen, or stopNext stepsmallest testablecommitment

Flow

  1. 1Name the initiative
  2. 2Define desired impact
  3. 3Define success criteria
  4. 4Note risks and dependencies
  5. 5Choose the next smallest step

The runsheet guides execution with 5 phases, timeboxes, 5 pitfalls, and clear stop criteria.

Open runsheet

Ideal for

  • Initiative framing
  • Leadership alignment
  • Opportunity triage

Not good for

  • Deep research
  • Complex portfolio optimization

Deep dive

In detail

Impact Filter follows a clear working logic: name the initiative, define the desired impact, define success criteria, note risks and dependencies, and choose the next smallest step. This turns the method into a visible thinking process rather than only a conversation. The participants move step by step from raw material, observations, or options toward a shared structure. As a result, an Impact Filter, Success Criteria, and Next Step support decisions, learning, or further planning.

Facilitation

Prepare a clear guiding question, the right information, and a visible workspace. Plan about 20-45 min with 1-6 people and use the format either in a workshop or asynchronously. The facilitation remains lightweight; short timeboxes, visible intermediate results, and a parking lot for open questions help.

Output artifacts
Impact FilterSuccess CriteriaNext Step
Tags
impactoutcomesframingdecision

Sources

The Impact Filterscottmonday.substack.com
Artifact templates
Impact Filter Working TemplateCompact working template for Impact Filter with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.
checklist

impact-filter-working-template.md

Compact working template for Impact Filter with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.

Impact Filter Checklist

  • Goal and context clarified
  • Input material gathered
  • Participants and roles named
  • Execution prepared according to the runsheet
  • Output artifacts created
  • Impact Filter updated
  • Success Criteria updated
  • Next Step updated
  • Open questions documented
  • Next step set with owner and date

When to choose differently

Short decision aid for existing alternatives.

Impact Mapping

Statt Impact Filter, wenn mehrere Akteure, Verhaltensänderungen und Lieferoptionen gemeinsam kartiert werden müssen.

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