Employees from all positions can be frustrated with lack of accountability
in the workplace. Unfortunately, while most people are concerned about
accountability, it is usually perceived as someone else’s problem. Have you ever
heard comments such as “I don’t know why we identified the actions items,
no one ever follows through,” “People around here are just so negative, no one
helps anyone out anymore,” “Why do I always have to remind people to do
their job?” “They” need to improve. “They” aren’t accountable. The focus is on
fixing the behaviors of others.
1. In your role as a supervisor, you deal with strategic issues relating to purpose
and direction. You are seen as a leader. You don’t get a choice about whether
you are a leader or not. You are a leader because people look to you to set the
example and provide direction.
2. When you become responsible for the performance of a group, your life
changes. When you were an individual contributor, you had pretty much
complete control over what to do in order to achieve better results. Once you
become responsible for a group of people and their performance, that control
disappears and is replaced by influence. That means that what you say and
do has more impact because people pay more attention to it.
Therefore, instead of focusing on what you cannot control, (making others
be accountable), focus on what you can control (You; your attitude, thoughts,
actions, and choices) to influence appropriate work place behaviors. In other
words; in order to instill a sense of accountability in others, supervisors must
lead by example—be personally accountable.
When we are personally accountable, we do not mirror those around us, we
set the example. Our actions send signals about who we are and what we expect
of others. Being accountable is about figuring out how you can make things
better. Other people’s actions aren’t in your control, and many events aren’t
either, but your response to these...