C is for Consulted
Ask Me First
We’ve met the do-ers (R - Responsible) and the people who carry the weight of the outcome (A - Accountable).
But what about the folks you need to ask first — for input, for permission or for their opinion?
They are…the Consulted.
Who is a C?
Consulted stakeholders aren’t doing the work, and they’re not signing it off — but their input is critical to doing it right. They’re the subject matter experts, the process veterans, the people who’ve seen this play out a hundred times and can stop you making rookie mistakes.
Examples of a C
A C might be:
A compliance lead reviewing your copy for regulatory risks
An end user offering insight on whether the process actually works in practice
Your CEO, if your team wants to approve a budget that exceeds a spending threshold
A department head who needs to weigh in on a new client proposal
Not Every Task Needs an C
Some tasks and processes on your list will need a Consulted person
Let’s look at our Finance Team example again - does this one need C?
The Finance Team Responsible for preparing the annual tax return. The CFO is Accountable.
But who’s Consulted?
Maybe it’s the company’s legal team, who ensure the approach aligns with updated tax legislation.
Or perhaps an external accountant offering guidance on optimising deductions.
Their input doesn’t stop the work — but skipping it could mean rework, delays, or risks.
When to Consult (and When Not To)
Consulted parties should be brought in before decisions are made. Otherwise, you risk late-stage feedback that derails your progress.
⚠️But be warned: too many voices = decision paralysis.
Don’t confuse inclusive with indecisive.
Don’t let “consulted” turn into “ruled by committee.”
Be intentional about who truly needs to be consulted - and when.
Tomorrow, we meet the final RACI player: the people who don’t do, decide, or advise… but still need to be kept in the loop.