Encourage Employee Accountability
“Accountability is a key concept in moving an organization forward, especially in a challenging business climate.”
Cindy Tucker
Defining Accountability--Webster’s Dictionary defines “accountability” as “the quality or state of being accountable; an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one’s actions.”
7 Ways to Improve Employee Accountability in the Workplace by Bob Cote
1. Set expectations during on-boarding
2. Provide performance feedback early and often
3. Establish a culture of empowerment and trust
4. Make consequences and rewards clear
5. Get casual—as a leader it’s your job to know your employees show interest in them.
6. Communication is key
7. Establish collective values and objectives
6 Elements of a Good Job Description by Debbie Zmorenski
1. Task functions and responsibilities. Clearly delineate all job functions and responsibilities as they relate to the performance of the employees duties.
2. Performance standards. Indicate productivity and quality standards required for the individual to be successful in his or her new role.
3. Job-related skills. List the level of skill, knowledge, experience and capability demanded by the job.
4. Scope and limits of authority. Outline the areas of responsibility assigned to each person.
5. Management expectations. It is impossible to get results unless you spell them out.
6. Relationships. Clarify the reporting structure for each department or division, stating to whom the employee reports or who reports to the employee, if applicable. Also, if team or group projects are required, give an example.
Why lack of employee accountability is a real problem
Research shows that there is a real problem in the American workplace when it comes to employee accountability. A recent survey of business leaders illuminated this:
• 25% of the leaders surveyed felt that 10% to 20% of their workers avoid accountability
• 21% of these managers felt that 30 to 50% of their employees were unaccountable to anyone
According to Partners In Leadership, a lack of accountability in the workplace leads to:
• Low team morale
• Unclear priorities across the team
• Employees become less engaged
• The team or individual is not meeting goals
• Low levels of trust
• High turnover
Additional Reading
Keeping Employees Accountable for Results: Quick Tips for Busy Managers by Brian Miller
How Did That Happen? Holding People Accountable for Results the Positive, Principled Way by Roger Connors, and Tom Smith
Points of Reflection
“Holding employees accountable is where most leaders fail”
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