A healthy and productive workplace requires both leaders and employees to take accountability for their work and establish an environment where everyone values their roles and responsibilities. Effective managers lead by example by setting the standard for accountability early on.
Below, we’ll discuss ways to create a workplace culture that fosters this skill and how our business leadership training at Plum can help. Keep reading!
What is Accountability in Leadership?
Accountability is a major aspect of any leadership role, as it involves leaders taking responsibility for their decisions, actions, and the team’s overall productivity and success. A leader who values accountability will humbly take ownership of their mistakes, big or small, and learn from them to ensure their team doesn’t run into the same problem down the road. This also involves sticking to commitments made with clients, customers, and those within their organization. Further, accountable leaders will take pride in guiding their teams. Inclusive leaders will help their employees gain value and satisfaction from their work and acknowledge their efforts, regardless of their role in the organization.
How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Accountability
A team that prioritizes its responsibilities will be more efficient, motivated, and productive, keeping morale high and reducing employee turnover. As a leader, you set the standard for your team’s attitude and viewpoint toward their work and their impact on the workplace culture. Below, we’ll discuss a few key practices you can develop in your role to help you set a precedent for accountability in your team’s workload.
Set Clear Expectations
Every member of your team and/or staff should be fully aware of what their role entails, including the work they’re responsible for, their deadlines, who they report to, and their seniority within the team. If these dynamics aren’t clearly set, work may not be completed, miscommunications between lower and higher-level staff may occur, and ultimately, productivity will be depleted. Setting clear expectations will make your employees more likely to hold themselves accountable for reaching them. This will ensure a smooth flow of work and prevent backlogged tasks from falling onto your plate.
Open the Lines of Communication
Keeping the lines of communication open is an excellent way for leaders to display their willingness to listen and their approachability. Encouraging open dialogue allows employees to discuss their current progress, setbacks, and challenges with you in a more comfortable and constructive way. Holding regular staff meetings and checking in with your team will help keep everyone on track and provide an opportunity to address any issues or misunderstandings. This will ensure everyone is aware of their projects, tasks, and timetable, which will, in turn, encourage more accountability from everyone.
Provide Regular Feedback to Employees
Regular and constructive feedback is vital to encouraging accountability in your employees. Set aside time regularly to talk with your team members about how they’re doing in their roles, highlighting their strengths and touching on areas where they can improve. This will encourage your staff to view accountability as a skill continuously developed over time and will help them stay on track as they grow in their position.
It’s also important to acknowledge your employees’ accountability and express appreciation for their hard work. Regardless of their role or status in the organization, as an inclusive leader, you can ensure your employees are seen and recognized for their dedication and contributions to the team, big or small.
Bring Accountability into the Workplace with Plum Leadership Group’s Business Leadership Training
Could your workplace benefit from guidance on how to maintain accountability? Our expert facilitators at Plum Leadership Group can help your workplace excel at this skill with our Leadership training program. Contact us today to learn about our course offerings!
