How many times have you replied “that’s okay, thanks for letting me know “ when team members apologise for:
- Being late for work
- Projects are incomplete
- Deadlines are missed
- Poor punctuality
While you may feel that this shows kindness, it also sends a message that occurrences such as these are not important. Indeed, they are so important to business success. By dismissing these actions team members may feel that are not accountable for their contributions to the business’s success. Over time it may create an environment where the care factor is low, hardworking team members will get frustrated and may resign leaving you with the unreliable ones.
Here are some tips to nurture a high performing and accountable workplace:
Make “accountability” an organisational value
It must be a word that takes pride of place as one of the organisation’s values. Openly talk about what it means, what it looks like in action and celebrate it when team members demonstrate it
Set goals for individual team members
Goals must feel personal and be linked directly to the work of individuals. Then show how individual goals roll up to team goals, department goals and overall organisation goals
Measure it
Without measurement there is no ability to manage accountability. Creating healthy competition around the achievement of goals is a great way for team members to feel good about their work and stimulate others to work harder
Accountability is everyone’s business
Sending a clear message that accountability is not a managerial responsibility alone. Each and everyone who contributes to the overall functioning and success of the organisation is accountable. Even the contract cleaners are accountable because the results of their work contribute heavily to creating positive first impressions
If feelings of accountability are falling short in your business and you would like some help, Verity Consulting would be happy to lean in and work with you to create a culture of high accountability. Contact us today.
