SHARP Loop
Worksheet

A structured framework for decisions under uncertainty. Work through each section in order. Load an example below to see a completed worksheet — or start fresh.

This worksheet runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere. We only see that the page was loaded — not what you filled in.

Optional support: if you want a second set of eyes at any point, you can share this with us.

Load example
C.1 What is the decision you want to apply the loop to?
C.2 What is the uncertainty you are dealing with?
C.3 What makes this decision difficult?
If this feels vague, that's usually the signal. You can share it with us — we'll help sharpen it.
C.4 Why are you using the loop?
S.1 How are you currently operating?
S.2 What is the current environment you're operating in?
S.2a Is anything listed here directly in your control right now?
If yes — include it in S.1 and remove it here. Only external conditions belong in S.2.

Stay close to the uncertainty in C.2 — not any situation that could go wrong, just ones that probe the boundaries of this specific unknown.

Situation 1 — find a clear break
H1.1 Describe a situation where your plan clearly doesn't work
H1.2 What specifically causes the plan to break? (1–3 things)
Share this section if you're unsure — we'll highlight where the reasoning breaks. Share →
H1.3 Broader framing — what underlying concern covers related situations?
H1.4 Define the range where your plan still works for each
High-level — doesn't need to be a precise number.

Situation 2 — find a different break

Find a situation relevant to the same uncertainty that isn't covered by your initial range.

H2.1 Describe another situation where your plan clearly doesn't work
H2.2 What specifically causes the plan to break? (1–3 things)
Share this section if you're unsure — we'll highlight where the reasoning breaks. Share →
H2.3 Broader framing
H2.4 Define the range where your plan still works for each
A.1 For each item in the Holding Range — what is the specific, observable signal that the boundary has been crossed?
This is the most important section. If you can't define a clear signal here, that's where most decisions fail. We can help pressure-test it. Share →
A.2 Could the people who need to act check these signals independently — without your interpretation?
If no — make them more specific and refine above.
A.3 If none of your activators fired, would you be confident sticking to your Status Quo?
If no — go back to H, add a new 'clearly broken' situation, then return here.
R.1 For each activator — urgent (requires immediate action) or non-urgent (time to replan)?
Activator 1
Activator 2
Activator 3
R.2 For urgent activators only — what is the minimum you need to prepare now?
Minimum viable preparation only — no over-planning.
If you're unsure how to define this, you can share what you have so far. We'll point out where the logic is unclear or incomplete.
R.3 For non-urgent activators — note "replan when fires"
No further prep needed unless you see otherwise.

Run this section after you've been operating under the loop for a while, or when a new situation surfaces that your activators don't cover.

P.1 Has a situation come up that none of your activators fired on — but that still felt like it should change the plan?
P.2 If yes — what specifically caused the problem? Apply the H technique again.
Specific cause → broader framing → add new range and activator to H and A.
P.3 Is any activator firing more often than expected?
Threshold too sensitive → adjust it. Too specific → rewrite at the underlying category level.
SHARP Loop Summary
S — Status Quo Fill in S.1 above to populate
H — Holding Range Fill in H1.4 / H2.4 above to populate
A — Activators Fill in A.1 above to populate
R — Responses Fill in R.2 / R.3 above to populate
P — Polish Fill in P.2 above to populate
Progress saved