The Continuing Quest for Accountability Part I – Is a Lack of Accountability a Problem in Your Organization

 [Editor’s Note: The last article focused on Barrier#6 to successful planning and execution – Lack of True Accountability. With issues related to remote work, reduction of middle management at many companies, employees feeling disconnected, accountability has become a bigger concern. I thought it might be useful to address accountability in a series of articles. A lack of accountability may impede your progress.              – dpm]

 The Continuing Quest for Accountability

Part I – Is a Lack of Accountability a Problem in Your Organization

Speaking with a new client recently, the CEO asked me to identify the most frequent problem we see with our new clients. I responded, “Lack of true accountability.”  He seemed skeptical and suggested that we wouldn’t find that to be true at his company. So, I asked him, “Does every employee feel responsible for the company’s success and know what their role is in ensuring that success?”

It occurs to me that people have become numb to the meaning of the word, accountability, and that it always seems to apply to everyone else, some other department, etc.  –“They need to be more accountable for results.”

Look closer. Do any of the following look familiar?

· Unclear Vision and Direction: Employees do not know the keys to company success –or they all have different views as to what they are.

 “We keep adding initiatives, projects and never take anything off the list.”

· Micromanaging or Command and control: Employees do not feel they have control over how to deliver results

· Lack of Job Understanding or Training: “I have never been shown what is expected”; “I didn’t receive any training”; “I don’t know where to go for help”

·  Undervalued: “No one cares about my opinion.” Employees do not feel their opinion is valued – that is, every employee

·  People do not feel comfortable delivering bad news: "The project is behind schedule.” “We have a major quality problem.” So, they ignore or sugarcoat things.

·  People do not feel trusted:   

“I am not confident my efforts will be rewarded”

“I suspect that my manager (the company leader) may take advantage of me”

“I question my manager’s (the company leader’s)motives”

“I am sure they will take credit for my accomplishments”

· Departments do not cooperate with each other; "We constantly practice the blame game”

· Employees are Not Engaged - Employees do just enough to get through the day

Be honest. Do you recognize any of the above in your company? On the long personal and organizational “to do” list, accountability should be at the top of the list.  

 

Impact on an organization: A lack of accountability can paralyze an organization and prevent it from moving forward.  Establishing strategies and action plans is a waste of time without a team that is accountable for results.

 

Take action: If you recognize any of the above in yourself, your current leaders, or your organization, you should address it immediately. A lack of accountability is like a cancer in an organization.

 

We can help: The Mead Consulting Group has helped many companies identify and address accountability issues, developing recommendations for improvement and coaching the company through execution.

If you would like to have a conversation about this, please contact Dave Mead at (303)660-8135 or meaddp@meadconsultinggroup.com.

Best regards,

Dave Mead