A Leader’s Role in Accountability: Practical Steps and What It Looks Like When Things Aren't Going Well
Accountability is a crucial component of successful leadership in business.
Leaders who hold themselves accountable and foster an environment of accountability in their teams are more likely to achieve their goals, inspire trust, and maintain a healthy organizational culture.
However, being accountable, particularly when things are not going well, can be challenging.
Here we explore practical steps leaders can take to hold themselves and others accountable and discuss what it looks like to be accountable when facing setbacks or challenges.
Setting Clear Expectations and Goals
The first step in creating an environment of accountability is setting clear expectations and goals. Leaders should communicate their expectations explicitly, ensuring that team members understand their roles and responsibilities. Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) goals provides a framework for everyone to understand what is expected of them and how success will be measured. Brene Brown’s perspective that “clear is kind” reminds us that dancing around something that is hard to say actually hurts the relationship and that employee’s ability to be successful.
Regularly Review Progress and Provide Feedback
Holding yourself and your team accountable requires regular review of progress and providing constructive feedback. Schedule consistent meetings to discuss progress, celebrate successes, and address any issues or obstacles that have arisen. Providing timely and specific feedback helps team members understand where they are excelling and where improvement is needed, allowing for course correction and learning.
Lead by Example
Leaders should model the behavior they expect from their team members by taking responsibility for their actions and decisions, acknowledging mistakes, and working to improve. When leaders demonstrate accountability, they create a culture where team members feel comfortable admitting their own mistakes and taking steps to address them.
Encourage a Culture of Open Communication
Creating an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their concerns, asking questions, and offering suggestions is essential for maintaining accountability. Encourage open communication and actively listen to your team's input. When people feel heard and valued, they are more likely to take ownership of their work and contribute to the team's success.
Establish a System for Tracking and Measuring Performance
Implementing a performance management system allows you to track and measure team members' progress toward their goals. Regularly reviewing this data can help identify areas where individuals or teams may be struggling and provide insights into potential solutions. This can be in a technology system or it might be a notepad you keep for each employee to remind yourself (and them) what you last agreed upon and feedback you last shared. The critical piece here is keeping track so the conversation progresses, and performance improves over time.
Hold Yourself and Others Accountable
When things aren't going well, it's essential to hold yourself and others accountable. This means acknowledging when you or your team members have made mistakes or failed to meet expectations and working together to find solutions. Be transparent about the challenges you're facing and involve your team in problem-solving efforts.
Learn from Mistakes and Embrace Continuous Improvement
Mistakes and setbacks are inevitable in any organization, but they can provide valuable learning opportunities. Encourage your team to view challenges as opportunities for growth and development. Analyze what went wrong and identify strategies for preventing similar issues in the future. Embracing a mindset of continuous improvement will help your team adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.
Holding accountability as a leader is not always easy, particularly when things aren't going well.
By following these practical steps, you can create an environment where you and your team take ownership of your actions, learn from setbacks, and consistently work towards achieving your goals.
Remember that being accountable means being honest about your performance and taking responsibility for your actions, whether they lead to success or failure.
By demonstrating accountability in your own leadership, you will inspire your team to do the same, ultimately leading to a more successful and resilient organization.
And if you’re looking for a little bit more support and coaching on how to hold yourself accountable and foster a culture of trust, honesty and accountability, set up a FREE 30-minute culture assessment phone call here.
We’re here to help!