Impact/Effort grid

Grids

#	Option	Impact	Effort
1	...
2	...
3	...
4	...

	Low Effort	Medium Effort	High Effort
High Impact
Medium Impact
Low Impact

Explanation

In the top half of the chart, list your options, one per line. Assign each a letter (or number) in the first column. Then evaluate each option in terms of the impact it will have on your group, and also the effort it will take to implement that option.

In some cases the effort can be measured in simple dollar amounts, and in other cases the effort needs to take into account the amount of energy expected in order to implement that option, the length of time needed, hassle factor, etc. Each option should be graded "little", "moderate", or "great".

Do the same for impact. Grade each option as "little", "moderate", or "great".

Then map the options by letter (or number) code on the bottom chart. Items appearing in the lower right three boxes should likely be eliminated from the list of criteria. Seeing where the others fall should stimulate discussion about the relative value of each option.