High-functioning teams are the catalyst for thriving businesses. These teams are more than a collection of talented individuals; they are a cohesive unit that operates with purpose and shared values. The Express Blog’s High-Functioning Teams series explores the essential traits and practices that enable teams to achieve outstanding results together.
Shared accountability is critical to team success. Accountability creates expectations for behavior and work and holds everyone responsible for meeting those expectations. When leaders and individual contributors share expectations, teams cultivate trust.
In the Workplace Accountability Study, 84% of respondents said leaders’ behavior is the most important influence on accountability. Modeling accountability and communicating the purpose of being accountable supports your team in leveraging accountability to be high functioning.
Igniting Accountability
Often, the best way to improve a process is to evaluate what is and isn’t working. Does accountability within your team exist at any level? Are some employees more accountable due to the nature of their work than others? Figure out how accountability functions in your workplace right now, then work to improve specific areas or individuals’ performance. Plus, employees who are engaged and meaningfully recognized are more likely to take pride in their work, leading to improved accountability.
Accountability centers around responsibility and ownership, not blame. Leaders can exemplify accountability when mistakes are made. Promptly admitting and correcting a mistake, with an apology if needed, sets a standard of psychological safety, reinforcing accountability as being safe. However, being accountable doesn’t remove all consequences of a mistake or poor behavior or performance; it paves a path forward.
Set the Stage for Success
A culture of accountability creates an environment where leaders and employees can depend on each other while working toward shared goals. Building employee accountability takes concerted effort and investment, and these tips from Express Employment Professionals can guide you through embracing accountability: ExpressPros.com/Accountability. Contact your local Express office to learn more about staffing solutions to help you build the most productive—and accountable—workforce possible.
