Want better business success? Boost personal accountability

Lack of accountability snowballs. Once someone has a “devil may care” attitude, it can quickly catch on. Co-workers can’t count on one another. They don’t follow through with their job duties or take responsibility for their decisions

Accountability is vital for an organization’s stability and growth. Unchecked poor behavior breeds laziness, misconduct, blame and distrust and can even l result in lost revenue. 

Improved work culture 

Work culture improves when employees take personal responsibility for job duties and outcomes. Management feels safe in taking a more hands-off approach and letting individuals manage themselves and make decisions. Employees are happiest when they can work autonomously and aren’t micromanaged. 

The whole company culture feels safe, peaceful and pleasant. As a result, good employees are easier to find and keep. Employees are constructive, and healthy working relationships flourish. 

Elevated compliance 

Employees with a strong sense of accountability better comply with company guidelines, industry standards and best practices, rules, regulations and laws. As a result, there is more goodwill among employees and consumers. The organization avoids negative reviews, publicity, fines and lawsuits. 

Increased productivity 

The individual employee feels appreciated and perceives their contribution as valuable. They work with more pride and know the proper steps to take to get the job done right. The workforce is driven, engaged and productive. There’s less need to micromanage, which wastes precious time. 

More revenue 

Not only does working with responsible people make work life easier, it improves the company’s bottom line. Revenue increases with less time wasted on fixing mistakes. Business leaders and their teams can concentrate on inventive ways to grow the business, improve output and make their customers happier. As a result, they’ll outshine their competitors. 

Goodwill continues to build when employees feel personally responsible for upholding ESG and DEI standards. As a result, the organization continues to progress the company culture and reputation. 

An accountable workforce is one where ideas and accomplishments abound. 

How to hold others accountable 

It’s easy to say that we must hold ourselves and our employees accountable. It’s much harder to turn that idea into action. What does holding someone accountable look like? 

For starters, develop and then communicate company missions, values and goals. Inspire responsibility by broadcasting these visions and their importance. 

Have employees participate in company or team goal-setting. Set deadlines and expectations. Then, hand over the reins and give them the autonomy to meet goals as they see fit. 

Correct subpar performance. When employees make mistakes (and they will) or fail to meet expectations and goals, speak one-on-one with them. Remain empathetic and remember that to err is human. Most people admonish themselves, so say that you are disappointed, but avoid exaggerating your mood or emotions to get your point across. 

Ideally, you want teamwork. You want open lines of communication where employees can own up to their mistakes without feeling overwhelming guilt or blame. To achieve this, you and your teammates or subordinates must review where things went wrong and brainstorm better strategies together. 

Remember, you can’t completely control how another person reacts to your reprimand. However, you can use kind, thoughtful and empathetic communication for the best outcome. 

Scold in private; praise in public. Compliment and reward employees for their excellence, integrity, hard work ethics and achievements on goals and deadlines. 

You can’t ask employees or subordinates to do as you say and not as you do. You must walk the walk and model the behavior you wish to see. If you want open and honest communication within your organization, you must be willing and able to accept the truth without extreme emotion. For instance, keep your cool when someone owns up to their mistake. 

Infographic

Embrace accountability for organizational stability and growth with our infographic. Enhanced work culture emerges when employees take ownership, empowering them to self-manage and increase satisfaction. Elevated compliance and productivity result from accountable individuals, reducing errors and driving revenue. To hold others accountable, lead by example, establish clear expectations, and foster open communication for constructive outcomes.

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