I is for Informed
Just Keep Me in the Loop
Time for a quick recap:
R – Responsible - The ones doing the work
A – Accountable - The one owning the outcome (aka, the one in the hot seat)
C – Consulted - The experts you ask before you act
And finally, we have I - the Informed.
Who Are the Informed?
These are the people who don’t need to be involved in the decision-making or the doing - but they do need to know what’s happening.
They want (or need) to be in the loop. They might be:
Leadership
Other teams impacted by the work
Key stakeholders who need visibility, but not involvement
They don’t give input. They don’t sign off. But they do appreciate a well-timed update.
Unlike R and A, there can be multiple Informed parties on any given task or process - just make sure you’re updating the right people, not everyone you’ve ever emailed.
Not Every Task Needs an I
Some tasks genuinely don’t require anyone to be kept in the loop. But when they do, clarity around the “I” saves you from drowning in unnecessary FYI emails or missing someone important off the comms list.
Back to Our Finance Team Example. Let’s wrap the series with one final look at our trusty Finance Team:
They’re Responsible for preparing the annual tax return
The CFO is Accountable
The Legal Team is Consulted to ensure compliance
But who is Informed?
Maybe the Board, who want confirmation that filing is complete
Possibly the CEO, depending on business structure
Or even HR, if the return affects employee-related reporting
They don’t need to weigh in - but they do need to know it’s been done.
And that’s the I in RACI.
Not decision-makers. Not do-ers. But still worth a mention (and a well-written email).
Want to see an example of a RACI… all this theory is all well and good, but let’s look at an example. Possibly even two. Coming up next.