Have you ever faced confusion over project roles? A RACI chart (Responsibility Assignment Matrix) eliminates uncertainty by clearly defining who does what. It prevents role overlap, streamlines communication, and ensures accountability.

What is RACI?

• Responsible (R) – Executes the task
• Accountable (A) – Ensures task completion
• Consulted (C) – Provides input/feedback
• Informed (I) – Receives updates

A well-structured RACI chart ensures efficient work execution, preventing confusion, miscommunication, and inefficiencies.

How to Assign Roles in a RACI Chart

To define roles effectively, ask these key questions:

Responsible (R) – Who completes the task?

• Which department manages the work?
• Who is directly performing the work?

Accountable (A) – Who ensures the task is completed?

• Who makes the final decisions about the task?
• Who should review the work to confirm it is complete?
• Who might delegate the task to another team member?

(Remember: There can only be one “A” per task to ensure clear accountability!)

Consulted (C) – Who provides input or expertise?

• Who can give feedback to responsible individuals?
• Who are the subject matter experts (SMEs) for this task?

Informed (I) – Who needs updates?

• Who is affected by the project outcome?
• Who needs to stay informed but doesn’t contribute directly?

Common Pitfalls in Role Assignment

• Unbalanced Workloads – Some team members may have too many responsibilities while others have too few.
• Unclear Hierarchy – People may not know whom to ask for help.
• Overlapping Responsibilities – Multiple team members may assume they are responsible for the same task.
• Excessive Communication – Too many updates can lead to overload and confusion.

Best Practices for RACI Implementation

• Limit “R” Assignments per Task – Ensures clarity in execution.
• Only One “A” per Task – Avoids confusion over accountability.
• Check for Workload Balance – Prevents bottlenecks.
• Secure Stakeholder Buy-in – Share the RACI chart before execution.
• Use RACI Strategically – Best for complex projects with multiple stakeholders.

By implementing RACI, teams move from chaos to clarity—ensuring seamless execution and effective collaboration.

Ready to use RACI in your projects? Get my free RACI chart template here

How do you assign project roles in your teams? Do you use RACI, or do you have a different approach?