Success starts and ends with the people in your organization. When your team is managed effectively and clearly understands their role and what is expected of them, good things happen. Good leadership shapes behaviour and increases an individual’s level of engagement.
So, how do you get people to be accountable and achieve your goal of creating a high performance environment?
Clearly and consistently communicate your vision
One and done never works –especially when trying to drive change. It is almost impossible for a company to over communicate. Critical messages must be repeated often – and repeated by senior leadership with consistency.
Have clear performance measurements
Measuring performance is one of the most clear and universal ways to hold people accountable. For example, when your team members know the goal is to close 5 deals per week, they have a clear idea of what is expected of them.
Have clear and detailed job descriptions
Being accountable starts with a clear understanding of one’s job. Vague job descriptions can lead to a vague understanding of an employee’s role. It also makes it more difficult for them to understand what they are accountable for and how leaders hold them accountable. Write detailed job descriptions and include roles, responsibilities, as well as accountabilities.
Make accountability clear
Make it clear that team members will be held accountable if they don’t comply. More importantly, clearly communicate how you will be accountable for leading.
Have an action plan
Having an action plan not only helps your team understand the direction of the company, it also is an opportunity for leaders to outline who is accountable for what, and the repercussions for not following through with their responsibilities.
Improve the effectiveness of meetings
Use meetings as an accountability session by ensuring team members are clear on expectations. Use the end of meetings to create actionable next steps with specific ownership and timelines to hold people accountable for what was discussed during the meeting. Oh, and cut the meeting time in half!
When leaders demonstrate accountability, it helps their team understand that they will be accountable in all things. Are you demonstrating accountability or letting things slip because they are “just small things”? Set the right example, display appropriate leadership behaviour and hold everyone accountable, including yourself. This will set the tone for all leaders to more effectively inspire accountability from their team.
First published on www.BillHogg.ca
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