3 Tips for Holding Your Team Accountable

 

Research conducted by Harvard Business Review found that the single biggest thing managers around the world avoid is holding their team accountable. There’s a fine line between managing and micromanaging. Fear of crossing that line can be intimidating to some, so it’s avoided altogether. As leader of a team, it’s your responsibility to communicate who’s accountable for what.

 

Here are three tips to holding your team accountable:

 

1. Create a Plan of Action Together

Creating a plan of action as a group is the best way to be sure everyone is involved and accountable from day one. Be receptive to input, suggestions, and comments. Ask your team how they would like to be held accountable for their work.

Think of your business as a machine, it takes many people for it to function properly.

Getting your team involved in the planning process will make them feel valued and boost team morale.

 

2. Set Clear Expectations for Everyone

You can’t expect clear results without setting clear goals. Be sure that your goals are measurable, so your team knows how to evaluate their progress.

When creating your plan of action, write down each member of your team next to which ever goal applies to them. Make sure your team has access to this plan, so they can refer to it if needed.

 

3. Discuss Accountability Regularly

If this is an uncomfortable topic in your business, it shouldn’t be. The best way to become comfortable with anything is talking about it.

Make accountability a regular topic in your meetings until it becomes routine.

 

If there is a disconnect between you and your team, it can affect everything. Therefore, it’s your responsibility as their leader to clearly communicate your expectations of them, or prepare to be disappointed. Ultimately, your team’s results are in part a reflection of your leadership skills. Following these tips will make accountability a priority in your business, a decision you won’t regret.