One key skill employees must develop as they move up the leadership ladder is that of personal accountability. When individuals are accountable for their own decisions, work, and results, the effectiveness of an organisation can increases.
One of the biggest issues in accountability begins with the amount of control people actually possess in their work. When employees are in control of the what, when, and how of a decision, their accountability is high. On the other hand, when others are in control of how work gets done, accountability significantly decreases. Numerous studies on control and influence in autocratic, democratic, and laissez faire organisations show that the most effective organisations have teams where everyone feels they have influence. When people feel like their voice is heard, their investment in their work increases far more than when they’re being told what to do and exactly how to do it.
So as a leader of your company what can you do to promote a greater sense of accountability in others. Below are five behaviours I have identified within exceptional leaders that do this:
1. Focus. Sometimes in companies it is really hard to focus. You may be sending out multiple messages about what is critical and what others are accountable for and as a result accountability dissipates. If you want people to be responsible, then you must clearly define the results that you want them to deliver, and let them have a fair amount of control on how they deliver those results.
2. Trust. The three pillars that build trust are positive relationships, knowledge, and consistency of leaders. Exceptional leaders practice these on a daily basis.
3. Problem Solving and Technical Expertise. It is impossible to feel accountable when a person is confused and doesn’t know how things work. Teach your employees the skills and give them the training they need, and make absolutely sure they know how to do the job you expect.
4. Communication. When a leader can effectively communicate, others can understand what they are accountable for. This requires being able to tell, ask, and listen to others.
5. Collaboration and Resolving Conflict. Collaboration is a difficult skill to achieve in an organisation. Are your employees cooperating or competing with others in a group? Research shows that teams who collaborate and are cooperative are far more successful than those who compete. Cooperation breeds accountability.
