We have created a template, the Role Design Template, that puts the focus on just one role. When using the tool this way, we understand the definitions to mean:
R = This is the work that I produce
R-Prime = This is the work that others do that I track or supervise
A = These are the decisions that I am expected to make
C = This is the experience or advice that I contribute to others
I = This is the information I need to know to do my job
Note that this RACI view of a job is much more specific than the average job description – it really gets into the nitty-gritty and is a wonderful complement to a process workflow.
You can use this template to understand your own job better, and negotiate for less work or more authority. It shines a light on how much work is on your plate, and where the decisions are being made.
In this example of a Project Manager we’ll call Sarah, she used this template to point out that she didn’t have much authority. All the decisions (the A roles) are made by her peers or by her boss. Armed with this view of her job, she was able to negotiate for more authority in her project management role.
In the case of eliminating a position, use this template to understand what the actual work (the R) elements of the job are, what kind of decisions (the A) the role can make, and what kind of expertise this position contributes to the team (the C). Click here to download a blank version of this template.
