A Positive Approach to Accountability
A Positive Approach to Accountability
Do you have a healthy relationship with accountability? How would your team answer that? Is it viewed as a negative? Is it viewed as something to dread? If you think of accountability as anything less than a positive action you take as a leader, or if it’s something you flat out avoid, chances are your team fears it as well! But when approached correctly, accountability can be turned into a willing sense of ownership for you and your team. Positive accountability ups everyone's game and it is well worth the effort to implement and build into the culture of your business. Embracing and practicing positive accountability is a key element to every successful team and getting there is very achievable.
How we define accountability
Accountability is what closes the gap between what you say you’ll do and what you do. It’s also the process of proactively checking in with your people, not waiting until the deadline is over and the goal isn’t achieved. Without it, even the best intentions will stay stuck in neutral. For the best results, accountability is applied from top to bottom in any organization. A great leader models accountability and expects it from others. An effective team feels a sense of ownership that brings out self-driven accountability.
How do responsibility, accountability, and ownership compare and how do they occur?
Responsibility | Accountability | Ownership |
|---|---|---|
What they must do | The obligation to do it | What they choose to do |
Assigned | Modeled | Self- Motivated |
What accountability can do for you, your team, and your business
Everyone needs true accountability to get results. Good intentions don’t drive success, actions do. The only thing that keeps action on track is accountability – personal and team-based accountability. When positive accountability is done well and is a consistent part of your communications and routines, it elevates everyone's performance. Leaders are more respected, resulting in a stronger following. Team members are more effective and engaged. Teams work better together and reach goals faster. Businesses are more likely to be successful in achieving their mission and goals.
The 5 Pillars of Positive Accountability
Clarity – Getting clear on what is expected.
Timing – Communicating when it is expected.
Ownership – Working with an ownership mindset.
Guiding – Teaching people to solve problems themselves.
Results – Arriving at what you set out to accomplish.
Learn how to create an ownership mindset with your team and much more:
Download our accompanying Exclusive Guide, A Positive Approach to Accountability HERE!
