A yes is not a commitment until four things are clear: the output, the date, the owner and the help needed. A RACI matrix shows who does each task and who decides. This post gives you the matrix and four questions.
Learn these skills in the course Work Management (BL-WM), module 2.
Who This Is For
Supervisors whose staff say yes and then do not deliver.
The Four Letters
| Letter | Meaning | How Many per Task |
|---|---|---|
| R: Responsible | Does the work | One or more |
| A: Accountable | Owns the result and signs it off | Exactly one |
| C: Consulted | Gives input before the work is done | Only those you need |
| I: Informed | Hears the result after it is done | Only those who need it |
Example: A Product Launch Event
| Task | Supervisor | Aisyah | Kumar | Finance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book the venue | A | R | I | C |
| Send the invitations | A | I | R | I |
| Approve the budget | C | I | I | A, R |
Four Questions That Turn a Yes Into a Commitment
- What exactly will you deliver?
- By which date and time?
- What do you need from me or from others?
- What could stop you, and when will you tell me?
Write the answers in the tracker. Then the yes has an output, a date and an owner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Two people marked A for one task. Then nobody owns it.
- Everybody marked C. Decisions then take weeks.
- A RACI made once and then left in a file. Check it in the weekly review.
Try It This Week
Take one task that came late last month. Draw its RACI row. Mark the letter that was missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a commitment control matrix?
A RACI with dates and status added. The course uses it to follow commitments to the end.
Can the supervisor be R and A?
Yes, on small tasks. On team tasks, give the R to a team member.
Next Step
Read the full outline of Work Management (BL-WM). Public classes: 23 and 24 November 2026; 18 and 19 January 2027. All dates are on the Training Calendar. For a group from your company, get a quote for in-house training. More Work Tips are in the skill area Personal Effectiveness. Read also:
