In your company, everyone has an independent responsibility that needs to be fulfilled, keeping in mind the ultimate goal. Collaboration is crucial while completing any project, and each person needs to utilize their unique skills to accomplish their part of the work. However, things go wrong, and projects may fail to reap the success we hoped for. Getting to the crux of the problem is useful, which might take a long time if you do not have accountability in the workplace. This feature is vital in effective teams who perform to their ultimate levels. It also builds an environment of trust and support. As an employee understanding the implications of accountability can help you to fully grasp the importance of responsibility and grow as a professional. There has to be effective communication between employees to build an environment that is positive and conducive to work. This is the functionality of the junior management and the senior leadership team.
Realities of Accountability
Lack of responsibility in the workplace gives the wrong image of the company and reduces the brand image in the market. Regarding collaboration, the team's expectations could be more precise, and instructions given by the leaders need to be adequately communicated. The leader does not seem to care about the outcome or realize the impact it may have on the company's overall success. The processes and systems need to be better and addressed.
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Not about control – Many confuse accountability with having control over their colleagues. However, this is not about control but about personal responsibilities and having the courage to own up to their mistakes. It is a motivation that comes with the job and personal interest in the outcome.
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Everything matters – The reality is that everything and every functionality matters. One poor performer can bring down the whole team and reduce the success rate. Leaders should understand where the teams are going wrong and where the leaders are also faltering regarding accountability.
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EI – Having accountability in the workplace means you need to be emotionally intelligent as an employee and even a leader. You need to understand your team's motivations and expectations and initiate a strategy to improve the work structure.
Strategies of Accountability
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Clear communication – The first crucial criterion to establish accountability is clear communication. Employees should be comfortable enough to voice their opinions and receive feedback from the leaders. Any expectation should be conveyed clearly so that people know the rules and duties and their impact on overall performance.
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SMART goals – While setting workplace objectives, it is essential to establish smart goals which are specific, measurable, relevant, achievable, and time-bound. All the factors that are crucial to establishing accountability are conveyed through these goals.
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Respect – It is essential to lead by example and establish respect by fostering trust and support in your company. Have a space where everyone can discuss their experiences and exchange ideas without being judged.
