Pros and cons template

Evaluate the pros and cons, or the positives and negatives, to evaluate tradeoffs

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Pros and cons

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Use the pros and cons list template to create a visual list of pros and cons to help you or your team make the right decision. A pros and cons list helps teams understand the main advantages and disadvantages of an option to improve decision-making and achieve positive outcomes.

The pros and cons list template helps teams

Understand the different sides of an argument
Visualize your options and prioritize what’s important
Collaboratively evaluate your options with team members
Execute decisions with confidence

How to use the pros and cons list template

While creating a pros and cons list isn’t difficult, here are some steps you can take to improve your decision-making for a better outcome.

Step 1: List your options

If you have more than a few options to choose from, try adding more sections to your pros and cons list.

Step 2: Jot down the pros and cons

With your team, brainstorm a list of pros and cons and add them as sticky notes on the canvas. Place each sticky note in the corresponding “Pros” and “Cons” section.

Step 3: Assign priorities

Not all pros and cons are equal. Assign a priority level to each point, considering factors like impact and feasibility. In Mural, you can add tags, color codes, or different shapes based on significance.

Step 4: Weigh the factors

Sum up the pros and cons for each option. Based on the priorities you assigned, some options may start appearing more desirable than others.‍

Step 5: Make a decision

Armed with a well-organized pros and cons list, you're ready to make your decision confidently. Choose the option that aligns best with your tech goals and priorities.

Tips for creating a pros and cons list

Need your pros and cons on the go? You can open up Mural on mobile devices from anywhere, or download a printable PDF or PNG version of your pros and cons list.
You can add tags to sticky notes in Mural to help you include helpful information on every pro and con you add to your pros and cons chart.
With Mural, you can invite collaborators to help you build a pros and cons list and make important decisions with key stakeholders.

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Pros and cons template FAQs

What is a pros and cons list?

A pros and cons list is a simple but powerful tool for decision-making that organizes the benefits and drawbacks of a choice into a chart. Pros and cons are Latin terms meaning “for” and “against”. Pros and cons can be used as a decision-making tool to help you understand both sides of an idea.

What is a pros and cons list example?

Here's an example of a simple pros and cons list you could create in Mural that could be relevant to knowledge workers evaluating whether to adopt a new project management software:

Pros:

Enhanced collaboration
Advanced analytics
Intuitive interface
Task automation
Integration capabilities
Customization

Cons:

Initial learning curve
Integration challenges
Transition period
Cost
Dependency on tech
Resistance to change

What can you use a pros and cons list for?

A pros and cons list is a versatile tool that can be used in a wide range of situations to make better decisions and aid critical thinking. Here are a few scenarios where a pros and cons list can be incredibly helpful:

‍Product or service comparison: When you're trying to choose between different products or services, whether it's software, gadgets, or consumer goods, a pros and cons list helps you evaluate their features, benefits, and drawbacks to make a final decision.
Project prioritization: In a work or personal project setting, use a pros and cons list to prioritize tasks or projects based on their potential impact, resource requirements, and alignment with your goals.‍
Job offers: Compare job offers by listing the important factors of each position, considering factors like salary, benefits, job responsibilities, work culture, and location.
Technology adoption: Assess the pros and cons of adopting new technologies, software, or tools for your personal or professional use.‍
Strategic decisions: Use a pros and cons list to weigh the possible outcomes of a decision over different business strategies, marketing approaches, or expansion plans.‍
Personal decisions: Use a pros and cons list to evaluate the advantages and downsides of personal decisions like buying a house, pursuing a relationship, deciding on educational opportunities, and more.