The Accountability Surprise

Bosses who drive rather than lead are inordinately fond of reminding staff that they are accountable for outcomes, for achieving results. Sometimes the reminder is delivered with a sneer, sometimes with a cudgel.

Those bosses seem to conveniently forget that they are accountable, too. And, are, in fact, supposed to lead by example, demonstrating accountability in their roles and actions.

Surprise! Sustainable organizational and individual accountability is generated and led by the boss. Without that inspirational example, forced accountability too easily becomes a game of dodges and loopholes designed to resemble accountability, without actually being accountable.

More surprises. Accountability leadership is not the sole province of the corner offices in the C-suite. As with all leadership behaviors, any individual, at any level, in any role, can lead through accountability.

But, creating an enabling culture for accountability requires modeling appropriate behaviors at the top. This critical skill and behavior seems particularly vital in SCM, with customers, peers, internal colleagues, and phalanxes of bosses with big titles - all with needs, demands, and expectations.

There are four elements in accountability.

Crystal-clear detailed expectations, both in a request and in its response.

Time and date specificity, both in expressing the need, and in an individual's commitment to deliver.

Ownership, with a person acknowledging a responsibility to see the job through, and accepting responsibility for its completion and outcomes.

Sharing, spreading the word as to who is responsible for what in leading, executing, and completing an accountable task, including the ultimate leader's role in paving the way, smoothing the path, removing obstacles, running interference, and being the place where the buck stops when things get a bit pear-shaped.

The process is straightforward. There are only four reasonable and acceptable responses to an accountability assignment: Yes, No, Yes if, or No unless, and a promise to clearly respond by a date/time certain. Anything else risks a fast ride on a dead-end street.

Some good news? Accountability is a learnable/teachable skill. It can be successfully coached, and is contagious in the best way imaginable.

Try it; you'll like it.