---
title: "Stage 8 — Reopen or close the decision"
slug: "do-it-yourself-game-plans/stage-8-reopen-or-close-the-decision"
section: "Do-it-yourself game plans"
description: "Compare the observed evidence with the test specification, not merely with the team's mood. Decide to continue, modify, reverse or escalate; document what "
internal_only: false
---

# Stage 8 — Reopen or close the decision

Compare the observed evidence with the test specification, not merely with the team's mood. Decide to continue, modify, reverse or escalate; document what was learned even if the commercial outcome disappoints. Obtain independent outside review only for the *unanswered* issue and avoid retaining someone indefinitely without new decision work.