Why Is Accountability Dead?

When advising clients, I often hear that their team is great, but just not meeting their goals. When I ask how long this has been occurring, the answer is almost always…“four to six months.” WHAT!? The next question I ask is about the metrics in place to gauge their actions and goals. The answer is almost always…“Well, we used to track it and ask about it, but we have not been so good lately.” WHAT!? Help is only one conversation away…accountability is dead.

When I wrote my book, How To Be A Manager Without Being A Jerk, one of the ideas addressed is the fact that most managers feel that, if they hold people accountable for their actions, they will be perceived as a jerk. This is a fundamental flaw in your role as a manager. Accountability can be a very positive thing and should be seen as a part of daily life in your organization. I like to use accountability as a time to learn, share and grow. In sales meetings I want to know the details and then figure out ways to address common issues. In web design meetings, I want to know the details and then figure out ways to address common issues. Grow together as a group. Remember this simple saying, “That which is tracked gets reported. That which is reported can be fixed.”

If accountability is dead, have a sit down and talk about the positives that can come from sharing about challenges, deadlines and tasks. Reinforce that you will have this conversation weekly. Peer pressure alone will cause most to step up once they know they will be expected to report on their task list or client list.

Read more from How To Be A Manager Without Being A Jerk, available online at http://GreatManagmentBook.com .

Ryan Dohrn is an industry leading internet consultant and management consultant. He is a sales and strategy pioneer training sales and management teams large and small around the globe.