Free tool · From the book
The Values-Based Decision Matrix
Big decisions get easier when your values do the weighing. This is the decision-making matrix from Start With Values (Penguin, 2025), made interactive: name the decision, confirm your top three values, score your options — and see where your values point.
Name the decision
Be specific — a clear question beats a vague worry.
Confirm your top three values
In priority order — your first value carries the most weight. Not sure what they are? Take the free assessment.
Explore your options
For each option, list the reasons it appeals. Rate each reason’s importance out of 10, then mark which of your values it genuinely serves.
See where your values point
Option 1
0Option 2
0How the scoring works
Your first value is worth 5 points, your second 4, your third 3 — because priority matters. Each reason’s score is its importance (out of 10) multiplied by the combined weight of the values it serves. A reason that serves none of your values scores zero, no matter how tempting it sounds — that’s the point. For the full method, including how to assess impact and set a review date, see the guide to values-based decision making — or go deeper in the book.