Using the RAPID Concept in Effective Teams
Teams are formed to solve a problem or create a program. It’s important work and often has a time-sensitive deadline involved.
Even in the best of companies, however, team decisions can get stuck in the works. When that happens, the entire decision-making process can stall.
The question put forth by consultants Bain and Company is “Who has the Big D?” In other words, who has the responsibility to make a final decision and how should he or she arrive at it.
Quoted in the Harvard Business Review, Bain consultants Paul Rogers and Marcia Blenko developed an approach called RAPID. Here’s how it works:
R is for recommend. The team first decides which members should recommend a course of action. These members make a proposal or recommend alternatives.
A is for agree. Others on the team are asked to agree to a recommendation before it moves forward.
P stands for power. An executive or team member who exercises veto power must present an alternative plan. Few people have the veto power.
I is for input. Those with input responsibilities provide all necessary and relevant information. The final decision will be grounded by evaluating facts rather than seeking opinions.
D, the Big D, stands for the final decision. After all other steps have been completed, the decision comes down to one person. That person is the only one to decide.
The RAPID method has been used by companies in national and global businesses. They have found that it works and saves valuable time. The consultants at Bain also say that those who will have to live with the decision should help to design it.
The next time you are part of a new team, you might consider the RAPID approach.
Category: Business Tips & Resources
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