Accountability is arguably the most important ingredient in a high performing work team. Think about it. The moment we allow people to not be held to account we allow distrust, gossip, frustration and complacency to enter the equation.
So how do we build a robust culture of accountability?
Talk the talk
To achieve a level of accountability, you need to use language befitting of the culture. Encourage everyone to adopt a shared language-set in which phrases such as ‘Tomorrow's fine’ ‘That’s Ok, you’ve been busy’ are replaced by ‘Excuses aren’t reasons’ ‘We do what we say around here’.Mantras are an important part of ritual and function. A shared language is a fast track to building a formed and functional group according to international expert Michael Grinder, author of the Elusive Obvious and can be the routine and rhythm that high performance is built upon.
Chalk the talk
Write stuff down! Whilst talking the talk is critical to have a shared 
language, it is coupled best with hard data. By using a written medium that is visual and public it stays anchored in people’s minds.
language, it is coupled best with hard data. By using a written medium that is visual and public it stays anchored in people’s minds. Just like people writing messages to go on the fridge at home when they are dieting, having key targets and pictures in prominent spaces promote your accountability culture. As with any form of visual marketing, it is essential it changes after a period time. In the short term, it works well to remind people, but if it stays the same it a process of habituation will occur and it will not continue to have the same effect.
Walk the talk
Accountability cultures are driven by leaders who operate under a ‘Do as I say, exactly as I do’ mindset. In role modeling the behaviours you seek, you not only set a standard, but a series of expectations that aren’t simply pretty statements on a wall. You must practice what you preach, but in doing so you present the most compelling learning methodology for any ‘student’; 1) the ability to be shown and 2) then a chance to demonstrate.So strive for accountability, but something worth remembering is part of our ‘human being-ness’ is to lack integrity according to Dr Sean Richardson. It’s a little hard to hear isn’t it? But the reality is we say we will do stuff and don’t do it....all the time! It takes something out of the ordinary to have integrity around our actions; to truly reach a shared level of accountability.
Warm wishes,
Darren and Alison
Warm wishes,
Darren and Alison
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