RAPID Decision-Making

RAPID is an acronym for the different roles people can have or the activities they take on during a decision-making process. Each letter stands for a specific role or activity; however, people can have more than one letter assigned to them, depending on the nature and context of the decision and the size of the group. The order of the letters is not important. The reality is iterative, and "R-A-P-I-D" happens to be the easiest way to remember the roles. Here, we'll explain the roles and activities in the order in which they likely will appear during any given decision-making process:

• "R" stands for "recommender" – the person who initiates or drives the process. The "R" is the "go to" person who sticks with the process from start to finish, ensures that others understand what they need to do, and keeps things moving along. In other words, the "R" does most of the work to secure the decision".
• I" stands for "input". An "I" must be consulted on a recommendation before a decision is made. Although an "I" has the right to be heard, he or she does not have a vote or a veto. Including someone as an "I" says that the organization values the facts and perspectives he or she brings to the decision".
• A" stands for an individual who needs to "agree with" or "approve" a recommendation. An "A" is essentially an "I" with more power; an "A" has a stronger voice during the recommendation process. An "A" who raises concerns with a proposal must work with the recommender to develop an alternative or elevate the issue to the person who will decide. Naming someone an "A" means that the organization needs their support. Generally, the more people with an "A," the more time and effort it takes to make a decision".
• D" means "decide". The "D" has final authority and is the only individual who can commit the organization to action – hiring someone, spending money, or making a legally-binding agreement. Things get done only after the "D" gives the OK. Generally, the D is one person. But if, for example, a board of directors has a parliamentary voting structure, then the "D" would mean the group of people who constitute the winning vote. (Occasionally, people with a great deal of power attempt to hide the fact that they are the "D" by saying that the final authority resides with a committee that they happen to lead. The process of implementing RAPID generally flushes such people out. Ultimately, if the committee head is the true "D," it's better to be explicit up front. Everyone knows where the power lies anyway.)
• "P" stands for "perform". "Ps" are the people who carry out the decision once it has been made. Often, the individuals who are "Ps" are also "Is," for good reason. You've no doubt heard at least one person say something like, "This is a mess. If only they had asked me before they decided. I could have told them..". It's unlikely that a "P" who is also an "I" will feel the need to say that.