Why Accountability isn’t a scary word

Generally, when you mention the word “accountability” in business, people cringe. They think you’re telling them they’re failing in some way. ?Or they think they’re about to be saddled with unrealistic expectations. Neither is usually the case, but the perception tells me?we need to reframe how we think about accountability.?

In his book “The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team,” Patrick Lencioni, the noted business management expert,? identifies a lack of accountability as one of the most common business dysfunctions. Why are bosses so bad at holding their employees accountable? The main reasons include: unclear expectations and consequences, wanting people to like them, and simply not paying enough attention to results than they should. In Lencioni’s view, though, bosses aren’t the only ones who need to hold people accountable. True accountability also means peers holding each other accountable. For that to happen, there has to be a culture of trust.?

So how can we frame accountability in a positive mindset? Here’s how I think about it. Have you ever hired a personal trainer, taken a workout class, or gone running with a buddy? That is an accountability partner. I recently hired a virtual nutrition coach to help me be accountable to nutritional goals I set for myself. One of the things she asked me to do was take pictures of the food I was eating on work trips. She also asked me to include one vegetable at each meal. That is difficult on work trips for me! I tend to order the biggest steak on the menu with fries and a side of corn bread. Recently, I was at the airport, and I found myself taking a picture of a turkey sandwich with a side of fries. I found myself thinking, “Well, I can’t send THAT to her.” So, I pushed the fries into the garbage and asked for a side of carrots with hummus then sent her a photo.

What did I learn from this experience? ?That if you really care about people, holding them accountable is actually helping them. You are helping them achieve the goals they have identified for themselves.

So next time you think about the hurdles of holding your team accountable think about it as a way to help them achieve their goals. Everyone needs a little help along the way.

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