How to Create Accountability In The Workplace

The Merriam-Webster definition of accountability is “an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.” However, most people view accountability in the workplace with an overall negative perception, relating to disciplinary action. While this negative perception will not come as a shock to most people, it should be met with a sense of urgency to remedy this misperception. You may be asking yourself “Why is accountability at work so challenging?” I will explain a few reasons why this is, along with solutions to the problems you may be facing. 

3 Reasons Why Accountability In The Workplace Is Challenging

There are three main reasons why accountability at work is challenging. 

1. Employees feel that there is a lack of leadership accountability.
2. Managers feel that there is a lack of employee accountability.
3. Coworkers feel that their colleagues aren’t accountable to one another, the work and/or the company. 

Notice that they all sound similar and point to all three levels of business (Leadership, Management, and Employees).

The result of everyone feeling that no one else is accountable for their actions is that no one has a strong urge to hold themselves accountable. This is the root of the problem and the core challenge businesses must address.

The Impact of Lack of Accountability

When no one feels accountable in the workplace, this leads to a lack of trust and communication throughout the business. The lack of accountability and trust can lead to a lack of alignment in goals and expectations throughout the company. Fear not though, all hope is not lost. The spiral can be stopped and it starts at the top. 

Accountability Among Leaders and Managers

The cold hard truth is that businesses need accountable leaders. Leaders who hold themselves accountable and make this fact evident encourage others to hold themselves accountable too. Accountable leaders and managers ask themselves a few key questions:

1. When did my performance expectations not match the results?
2. What could I have done differently to meet the expectations of myself and the company?
3. Do I show my team respect by being honest and upfront when I make mistakes and when they make mistakes?

Hold All Levels of the Business Accountable For Goals

Accountability in the workplace must come from all levels of the organization—every single person should hold themselves and others accountable for their goals. There are a few important ways that you can accomplish this. 

1. Involve employees in goal-setting
2. Monitor the progress of goals consistently and relay the status to the team 
3. Provide the people within your organization with the training and tools to meet the goals
4. Encourage and create a framework for solving problems independently
5. Encourage, incentivize, and recognize positive performance at work

Creating the Framework for Accountability

The framework for accountability in the workplace starts within the leadership team and stems from there. If you model accountability, collaboration, trust, and strong communication within leadership, the rest of your team will follow. Once you have established this framework, there are a few other actions you should take to foster accountability within the organization.

1. Implement the practice of recognizing and improving accountability, and make it a priority in your organization
2. Establish clear expectations and define roles and responsibilities for all of your employees
3. Hire employees who exemplify your accountability values
4. Foster strong communication skills by holding communication-skills trainings for the team

Are you looking to work with a team that encourages accountability and improves your problem-solving skills? To find out more about working on the KWSM Team, Visit our Careers page or fill out the form below.