Improving personal accountability
What is accountability? We hear that word being constantly thrown around in meetings and in the workplace that it is almost becoming like a buzzword. What does it really mean? To some, that word has some sort of negativity surrounding it. Why? Because you usually hear that word when something goes wrong. If a project goes belly up, you’ll hear people asking who is accountable. The company’s profit and productivity taking a nosedive? The higher-ups would want to know who is accountable. It’s no wonder why the words accountability and accountable are almost always linked with something negative. It shouldn’t be that way though. Accountability is just the willingness to take ownership of an outcome, both positive and negative. If you have this willingness to take ownership, it means that you are confident and proud of your work. You gave it your all. Now tell me, is there anything negative about that? I don’t think so. With all that being said, as a leader, you would want your team to have a sense of accountability. There are just too many benefits not to. However, you would have to start with yourself. Improve your personal accountability and your team will follow your example.
Review Your Goals And Objectives As A Team
If you want your team to be accountable for their work, you should show them that you are also accountable for yours. Review your goals and objectives with the team. Involve them. Collaborate with them. Doing this will make them aware of what your plans are which builds clarity which in turn is good at building accountability. Why? Because clarity allows the team to know who is accountable for what and would also let them know what they are accountable for. Getting them involved will also make them feel invested in the same goals. Making them feel invested in the same goals is a great way of building accountability.
Honesty Is The Best Policy
Even in a highly competitive and cutthroat environment that is the business and corporate world, honesty is still the best policy. Yes, there are times that being deceptive can get you ahead however it can only take you so far and the consequences far outweigh the rewards. And eventually, the lies will catch up to you. Set aside your pride. Own up to your failures. Set an example for your team and show them the value of honesty. A team built around honesty will have no problems when it comes to being accountable.
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