Framework 4: RACI for clearer delegation

The core idea

RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. It is a simple way to sort out who is doing the work, who owns the outcome, who should weigh in, and who just needs visibility.

Managers often think they have delegated when they have really just spoken hopefully in the direction of a problem. RACI forces sharper role clarity and exposes hand-wavy ownership very quickly.

How to use it in a 1:1

• Pick one active project that feels fuzzy.
• Write down who is Responsible and who is Accountable.
• Reduce the Consulted list if it has become a hiding place for indecision.
• Use the conversation to remove confusion, not to assign blame for the confusion.

Why it works

This framework is especially useful when a direct report feels blocked, overruled, or repeatedly dragged into work that should not be theirs.

Use the conversation to match responsibility with decision authority, time and support. Ask what should be deprioritised before adding ownership. A name in the Accountable column is not a plan for handling an impossible workload.

Common mistake

Managers often overload Consulted and then wonder why decisions take too long. If too many people are effectively approving the work, the framework has not actually simplified anything.