When most employees hear the word “accountability,” it can trigger fear and anxiety. Despite management's best intentions, traditional accountability can create a sense that "big brother is watching". These sentiments can hinder the very objective that an accountability-driven organization is trying to achieve—a high-performing, thriving company focused on achieving great results.
The key to transforming this mindset lies in embracing positive accountability. A positive approach to accountability shifts the ownership of plans and KPIs from managers to employees, fostering a sense of responsibility and engagement.
This approach begins by involving employees in making improvements to their departments and when creating goals and KPIs. When employees feel a sense of ownership over their actions and objectives, they are more committed to achieving them.
Regular progress-check meetings with key employees are also crucial. In these meetings, employees should lead the discussion, reporting on their progress and challenges. The manager’s role is to manage by asking questions such as, “Are your projects on track?”, “What do you think you can do to make up the gap?” and “What can I do to help.”
Research supports this approach. According to a Gallup study, 70% of employees who feel empowered to take ownership of their work report higher engagement levels. Organizations that adopt a positive accountability mindset see marked improvements in results. Employees become invested in the success of their projects and the company, leading to a more dynamic and productive work environment. By shifting from a top-down approach to one that empowers employees, companies can achieve sustainable growth and a motivated, high-performing workforce.
Feel free to reach out to us if you’d like to discuss positive accountability in more detail. We’d love to share what we have seen from working with many highly successful organizations.
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