THE ROLE OF A RCA CHAMPION
Assuming all the above actions take place, this does not automatically insure success. How many times have we all seen a well-intentioned effort from the top try to make its way to the field and fail miserably? Typically, somewhere in the middle of the organization the translation of the original message begins to deviate from its intended path. This is a common reason of why some very good efforts fail, because of the miscommunication of the original message!

If we are proactive in our thinking, and we foresee such a barrier to success, then we can plan for its occurrence and avoid it. This is where the role of the RCA Champion comes into play. 

There are three major roles of a RCA Champion:

1. The champion must administer and support the RCA effort from a management standpoint. This includes ensuring that the message from the top to the floor is communicated properly and effectively. Any deviations from the plan will be the responsibility of the Champion to align or get back on track. This person is truly the "Champion" of the RCA effort.
2. The second primary role of the RCA Champion is to be a mentor to the Drivers and the Analysts. This means that the Champion must be educated in the RCA process and have a thorough understanding of what is necessary for success.
3. The third primary role of the RCA Champion is to be a protector of those that utilize the process and uncover causes that may be politically sensitive. Sometimes we refer to this role as providing "air cover" for ground troops. In order to fulfill this responsibility, the RCA Champion must be in a position of authority in order to take a defense position and protect the person who uncovered these facts.

Ideally this would be a full time position. However, in reality, we find it typically to be a part-time effort for an individual. In either situation we have seen it work, the key is that it must be made a priority to the organization. This is generally accomplished if the executive(s) perform their designed tasks set out above. Actions do speak louder than words. When new initiatives come down the pike and the workforce sees no support, then it becomes another "they are not going to walk-the-talk" issue. These are viewed as lip service programs that will pass over time. If the RCA effort is going to succeed, it must first break down the paradigms that currently exist. It must be viewed as different than the other programs. This is also the RCA Champion's role in projecting an image that this is different and will work.

The RCA Champion's additional responsibilities include insuring that the following responsibilities are carried out:

1. Selecting and training RCA Driver's who will lead RCA teams. What are the personal characteristics that are required to make this a success? What kind of training do they need to provide them the tools to do the job right?
2. Developing management support systems such as:
A. RCA performance criteria - What are the expectations of financial returns that are expected from the corporation? What are the time frames? What are the landmarks?
B. Providing time - In an era of re-engineering and lean manufacturing, "How are we going to mandate that designated employees WILL spend 10% of their week on RCA teams?"
C. Process the recommendations - How are recommendations from RCA's going to be handled in the current work order system? How does improvement (proactive) work get executed in a reactive work order system?
D. Provide technical resources - What technical resources are going to be made available to the analysts to prove and disprove their hypotheses using the "Whatever It Takes" mentality?
E. Provide skill-based training - How will we educate RCA team members and ensure that they are competent enough to participate on such a team?
3. The Champion shall also be responsible for setting performance expectations. The Champion should draft a letter that will be forwarded to all students that attend the RCA training. The letter should clearly outline exactly what is expected of them and how the follow-up system will be implemented.
4. The Champion should ensure that all training classes are kicked off wither by themselves, an executive or other person of authority, giving credibility and priority to the effort.
5. The Champion should also be responsible for developing and setting up a recognition system for RCA successes. Recognition can be in the form of a letter from an executive to tickets to a ball game. Whatever the incentive is, it should be of value to the recipient.

Needless to say, the role of a Champion is very critical to the RCA process. The lack of a Champion is usually why most formal RCA efforts fail. There is no one leading the cause or carrying the RCA flag. Make no bones about it, if an organization has never had a formal RCA effort, or had one and failed, such an endeavor is an uphill battle. Without a RCA Champion, sometimes it can get to feeling like you are on an island by yourself.

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