Personal accountability is one of the most important skills to possess in any job. It is also becoming more and more difficult to find in the workplace. As companies continue to shift away from automated and routine work to 21st century customization of products and knowledge, the need for personal accountability continues to grow.
So what is personal accountability. In a nutshell, it is the ability to take responsibility for own decisions and actions. A person who demonstrated personal accountability will not try to shift blame or make excuses for their actions. This takes professional courage, integrity, and self confidence.
Sometimes, leaders must make unpopular decisions or communicate an unpopular message. Accountable leaders manifest the courage to deliver that news with grace and handle any negative feedback that results. Accountable leaders act in ways that benefit the organization, even when that doesn’t meet with the approval of others. They don’t blame circumstances or the situation. The lead with vision and courage.
Accountable staff also take responsibility. If they don’t understand something, they ask questions. They give others the benefit of the doubt and assume the best of others. Where they have input or knowledge, they step up and contribute it. Accountable staff don’t shrug a shoulder at potential problems or concerns, they influence people and processes.
Following are some bullet points to help establish accountable behavior in the workplace:
* Goals are tied to the organization’s key mission and cultural values.
* Commitments are kept.
* Leaders consult with the right people before making decisions.
* Everyone is open to questions and provides rationale for decisions and actions in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration
* People admit mistakes and learn from them.
* Individual know when to stand up for what they believe in and to sit down when appropriate. Everyone has the organizations best interest at heart.
* Egos don’t get in the way of doing what is right.
