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<\/span><\/span>Estimated reading time: <\/span>3<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n Regular readers of HR Bartender know\u00a0I\u2019m a giant believer in accountability. I also imagine responsibility and authority go hand in hand. In the event you\u2019re liable for a task or project, then you need to have the authority to make things occur. Especially because you\u2019re going to be held accountable for the outcomes<\/span>.<\/p>\n Several years ago, at a conference in London, I learned concerning the RACI model which stands for who’s R<\/strong>esponsible, who’s A<\/strong>ccountable, who should C<\/strong>onsult and who should I<\/strong>nform. RACI is a term often utilized in project management to assign responsibilities and based on Wikipedia, here\u2019s how the person roles are defined.<\/p>\n Responsible<\/strong>\u00a0represents the people who find themselves doing the actual work. I understand not everyone involved with a project is hands-on, so I\u2019m assuming this is concentrated on the hands-on, within the trenches work that should be done. I\u2019d also wish to think that being liable for the work doesn\u2019t absolve you from being held accountable for\u00a0completing<\/em>\u00a0the work.<\/p>\n Accountability<\/strong>\u00a0on this RACI context means the one who ultimately can be labeled a hit or failure based upon the end result of the project. It is perhaps the project manager or the one who championed the project in the primary place. In addition they may or might not be doing among the hands-on work.\u00a0<\/p>\n Seek the advice of (or Counsel)<\/strong>\u00a0are the\u00a0material experts (SMEs)\u00a0whose expertise is required to finish the project. Depending upon the project scope, they may have a daily role inside the project team or perhaps they’re consulted if a selected problem occurs. I could also see this role not being confined to internal resources. Perhaps the SME is an external consultant or contractor.<\/p>\n Inform<\/strong>\u00a0includes the person(s) who’re sponsoring the project. Traditionally, every project has a sponsor that helps the team obtain resources and buy-in. The sponsors should be kept within the loop concerning the project status. Often this might be done with written reports and occasional one-on-one meetings, nevertheless it\u2019s a critical piece of project management.<\/p>\n The RACI model intrigued me because I’m wondering what number of teams actually spend time discussing roles as a part of\u00a0a project plan. I don\u2019t recall ever being on a team where we had a deliberate conversation about this. And I’m wondering if teams spent more time on this aspect, if it will help the group reach their goals faster and with fewer setbacks. All and sundry knows their role, can operate effectively, and conflict is reduced.\u00a0<\/p>\n