A Comic for RACI

 “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” Leonardo da Vinci once said.

As we try to simplify things with models, metaphors and acronyms, we unknowingly add on a layer of abstraction to the whole matter. No doubt things look a lot simpler and neater on the surface, but as soon as you peel off the surface layer and take a peek at what is hidden underneath, you will realize that it is still a whole mess down there. I agree that a lot of sophisticated works are required to turn complexity into simplicity. We see these in daily life from mathematics and engineering to business management and marketing phrases. So why are we doing this? Apart from being simple, they are often sexy, catchy and easy to latch on. Some of the better ones, like the Five Forces, Black Swan and PMBOK, have even taken on a memetic life of its own.

In the project management domain, we too have a handful of good examples. For instance, the ‘chickens and pigs’ concept that Ken Schwaber introduced for the daily stand-up is so widely accepted that it is now being borrowed and adapted as analogies in other fields. Why? This is because the concept of pigs>bacon>committed versus chickens>eggs>involved is so comme il faut that the metaphors link up naturally in the mind. It just clicks and sticks.

What about its cousin – the RACI matrix? Well, it does have its own supporters. It is also an acronym-based matrix. The only difference is it has not enjoyed the same popularity as the ‘chickens and pigs’. In fact, quite a lot of people find it confusing. I am quite sure there are many project managers out there who are still not very sure how to fill up the matrix correctly. I have actually met a few.

Wait a second. Isn’t RACI matrix a well-defined matrix? So why is it so confusing and difficult to understand? It seems like people are having a tough time figuring out the differences among the four key responsibility roles, especially between the ‘accountable’ and ‘responsible’ roles. Is it because of the definitions of the roles are not clear enough? Definitely not! What could be the reason(s) then?

If you are observant enough, by now you should have spotted another major difference between the ‘chickens and pigs’ concept and RACI matrix. The ‘chickens’ and the ‘pigs’ are far more lifelike than the dully represented ‘R’, ‘A’, ‘C’ and ‘I’. There is nothing wrong with the definitions. People just find it difficult to relate the theories with practical applications. Yes, RACI needs a story and some metaphors for people to connect it with real life examples. This is exactly what is missing. Without further ado, I hereby present you a comic for RACI – “Gang of Four at Tea Party”. Hope you like it.