Expectations & Accountability
In today’s post-pandemic (post-Great Resignation) work world, a lot of companies have leaders who are new to supervising. Setting expectations and building a culture of accountability are not skills that come naturally.
When we are not specific about our expectations, it’s like asking an employee to “throw the ball in the bucket without looking at the bucket.”
It’s important to understand the definition of expectations, responsibility, and accountability. Expectations are a belief that something will happen. In the workplace, they are an outline for what and how tasks should be performed. Responsibility is about completing specific tasks. Accountability is about owning the results of those tasks.
Successful teams have a culture of accountability where they understand the desired results and the tasks that need to be completed to achieve them. It’s key for the leader to share the “why” behind the desired action. Ideally, employees get to share in setting these expectations and share in the celebration of positive results. Employees understand clearly how their role creates value towards the greater vision of the company.
If you are the leader of a team, here are steps you can take to build a culture of accountability.
Make sure you understand the desired results
Document your expectations and “the why” behind the tasks
Communicate your expectations and desired results
Ask for employee input and gain alignment on the path forward
Measure and communicate progress, provide feedback
Be accountable to your employees
Learn together from failures
Celebrate success
