7: Accountability series - Are you using the accountability equation?
Jun 17, 2019
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Explore the importance of accountability in modern work environments, focusing on trust, reliability, and self-reflection. Learn about the roles of askers and givers in accountability, emphasizing clear commitments and open, honest conversations for successful outcomes.
Accountability involves clear expectations and commitments before promising delivery.
Investing time in engaging conversations before commitments increases the likelihood of successful delivery.
Deep dives
The Importance of Accountability
In this podcast episode, the importance of accountability is discussed. Accountability is described as a contract between two people, where one person asks another to deliver something on their behalf. It is emphasized that accountability is crucial in today's workplace, especially in an agile and empowered work environment. The speaker notes that accountability involves two roles: the asker, who makes the request, and the giver, who commits to delivering. It is highlighted that meaningful commitment conversations and clear expectations need to be established before the promise is made to increase the likelihood of successful delivery.
The Before and After of Accountability
The podcast delves into the components of accountability, focusing on what happens before and after a commitment is made. Before a promise is made, the importance of engaging conversations between the asker and the giver is emphasized. These conversations help set up a clear understanding of expectations, commitments, and consequences. The speaker notes that more attention is often given to what happens after the promise, such as monitoring and rewarding performance. However, the podcast highlights the significance of investing time in engaging conversations before making commitments to ensure successful delivery.
Mapping Accountability Relationships
The podcast suggests an exercise to help listeners explore their relationships with accountability. Listeners are encouraged to imagine themselves at the center of a wheel, with spokes leading to the people they depend on and the people who depend on them. The objective is to have accountable conversations, ensuring clarity and commitment. The speaker emphasizes that no one on the accountability list should be neglected. Treating accountability as a tool to build trust, outcomes, and results in the organization is highlighted as essential. The episode concludes with a preview of the next episode, which will focus on the role of the asker in accountability relationships.
At its core accountability is a contract between two people, one the asker, one the giver. When both of working in harmony, good accountability produces consistent performance, heightened trust, no unexpected surprises. In this, the first in the series on accountability, Carolyn describes a new and exciting way of thinking about accountability that is empowering and exciting, rather than evoking traditional concerns of consequences, pressure or punishment.