<aside> <img src="/icons/info-alternate_yellow.svg" alt="/icons/info-alternate_yellow.svg" width="40px" /> This page is part of The Toolbox by Danny Smith.

</aside>

It can sometimes be complicated to know exactly who should make a particular decision. Doubly so in healthy organisations with a strong sense of shared ownership. The concept of Directly Responsible Individuals (DRIs) addresses this by identifying up-front who is responsible for what.

One person that is directly responsible or accountable for fulfilling the success of a certain task, project or area or responsibility.

The idea is that every project is assigned a DRI who is ultimately held accountable for the success (or failure) of that project or objective. Apple coined the term DRI a long time ago.

What does a DRI do?

DRIs are usually assigned to specific projects, targets or initiatives. They won’t necessarily be the people doing the work, but they will likely be responsible for…

• Getting necessary tools, knowledge, people and resources together.
• Making decisions or acting as a tie-breaker.
• Defining done.
• Holding contributors accountable.
• Setting expectations on the project.
• Communicating progress to the wider organisation.
• Managing risks associated with the project.