3 tips for using C correctly in your RACI matrices.

Many tasks in the company are done as a team.

However, “Team” is not a role.

So when you want to show that a task is done collaboratively, you might be tempted to put several R's and several C's on the same line.

However, you cannot put more than one R per line, and in addition the C can mask certain distortions of responsibility.

For example, in the task “approve the final report” which is a task that can be found in the deviation process or in the validation process for example.

The natural tendency of the editor of RACI matrix Would be to put an R and C.

But where do you put the R?

On the business approver or on the quality approver?

Both approve and you can't put 2 R's per line.

To avoid false C and unclear responsibilities, here are 3 tips for using C properly in your RACIs.

Tip number 1: Use the “Cs” to show a one-time contribution of expertise in the RACI matrix.

When I have a role that is C on half of the tasks, I will have to explain to me what the nature of the expertise really is.

I don't believe it for a second.

On the other hand, if you have an R who must do a task (for example write a report) then a C role can intervene to advise on the structure of the report (or to provide an opinion on the technical background of the report).

It all depends on his role.

I can even have 2 roles which are C.

One to advise on structure, the other on substance.

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Tip number 2: Cut the tasks in half to reveal the hidden “R” in the RACI matrices

Let's use the example of the “approve report” task again.

I told you earlier that I had two approvers:

• the business approver,
• the quality approver.

The best would be to write two lines in the RACI.

• One for “Approve the consistency and technical veracity of the report” (it is the business manager who is R).
• Another for “Approve the regulatory compliance of the report” (and the quality manager is R).

I can already hear lazy bad tongues say: “Yes, but it adds lines.”

Yes indeed.

But that's okay because it makes it possible to significantly clarify who does what and who is committed to what.

If you do a RACI, it's to have clear responsibilities, otherwise don't do anything.

Tip number 3: use the comment column of the RACI matrix to explain the contribution of the “C”.

It's a great filter!

In the comment column, if you are not able to write in 10 words the nature of the C's expertise, it is because you are certainly in the presence of a disguised R, or even an A.

So, try to make all of this clear.

The final word.

Check with your documentation and training teams that when you have C's in RACI It is indeed a justified expertise and not hidden R or A's.

If you have hidden R's or A's then edit your table.

On our website, you can access some of our DOC&training simplification training.

See you there.

See you soon!