Concept of the Week - Accountability

by Don Harkey

Accountability. A common description of effective management is to "set clear and measurable objectives for your people, them hold them accountable to those objectives". For many workers, the word "accountability" has dark implications. For many managers, it allows them shift the responsibility of action to their people. Our parents told us to "be accountable for your actions!". The word is used around leadership and management circles constantly. What does it really mean?

A small-business owner I worked with once told me how he managed his people. He told me that he couldn't trust his people to do anything. He needed to do everything for them. He needed to follow every step they took and guide them down every path. During our short conversation, he took 3 calls from his people. He looked absolutely worn out.

I might have told him that he needs to hold his people accountable for making good decisions, but I didn't. What would have been the result? Imagine parents who shelters and coddle their children through life, making every decision for them. Then they suddenly release them to the world under the veil of "you are now accountable for your life!". The results are predictable. The kids are going to struggle. This would happen with employees as well.

Personal responsibility is certainly not a bad thing. The best workers are the ones who take real pride in their work and know that the "buck stops here". Even when faced with situations not within their control, they keep their wits and respond with everything they have. Is this accountability?

This week, the concept for discussion is "accountability". What DOES it really mean? When you hear the word, what thoughts come to mind? How does a manager hold an employee accountable? How does a person hold his or herself accountable? Is accountability a form of responsibility or a form of liability (or both)?

We'll hear soon from an expert in the field of Motivation. I encourage you to submit your thoughts on the topic... I'm holding you accountable!