Holding Accountable

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Descriptions to Discuss

Under Skilled

• Is unclear about expectations and deliverables, leading to confusion within the team.

• Fails to set up regular check-ins or feedback sessions to address accountability issues.

• Doesn’t follow up on assigned tasks or goals, leading to things slipping through the cracks.

• Avoids difficult conversations, allowing poor performance or behaviors to continue.

• Does not acknowledge or reward good performance, leading to decreased motivation within the team.

• Fails to lead by example, leading to a lack of trust and respect within the team.

• Does not communicate consequences of failing to meet expectations.

• Tends to blame others for failures rather than examining the process or system.

• Does not invest in the development of team members’ skills and capacities.

• Often provides vague or non-specific feedback, making it difficult for team members to improve.

Highly Skilled

• Clearly defines expectations and ensures that all team members understand them.

• Holds regular check-ins and provides constructive feedback to keep everyone on track.

• Regularly follows up on assigned tasks and goals to ensure they are being met.

• Has the courage to hold difficult conversations to address poor performance or behavior.

• Acknowledges and rewards good performance, fostering motivation and increased effort.

• Leads by example, setting a high standard for the team to follow.

• Clearly communicates the consequences of not meeting expectations.

• Looks at systemic issues and involves the team in solving problems when performance falls short.

• Continually works on building the skills and capacities of team members.

• Gives specific, actionable feedback that helps team members improve.

Over Skilled

• Constantly sets very high expectations, leading to unnecessary stress and burnout within the team.

• Has too frequent check-ins that micromanage and inhibit team members from doing their work.

• Overzealously follows up on tasks, not allowing for any flexibility or adaptations to plans.

• Focuses overly on the negative, even minor mistakes, creating a fearful, punitive atmosphere.

• Overemphasizes rewards and punishments, leading to an over-reliance on external motivation.

• Expects perfection and has no tolerance for mistakes, leading to a culture of fear and anxiety.

• Overuses threats and harsh penalties, which can create a toxic environment.

• Over-emphasizes individual blame without considering the larger context or system.

• Pushes for continual upskilling without considering the workload or capabilities of the team.

• Provides overly detailed feedback on every aspect of work, leading to confusion or overwhelm.

Resources to Review

1. The QUICK Accountability Method (Westbrook Resource)

2. Coaching Worksheet for Holding Accountable (Westbrook Resource)

3. Crucial Accountability: Tools for Resolving Violated Expectations, Broken Commitments, and Bad Behavior (Amazon Book)

4. How Did That Happen?: Holding People Accountable for Results the Positive, Principled Way (Amazon Book)

5. Accountability: The Key to Driving a High-Performance Culture (Amazon Book)

6. Creating the Accountable Organization: A Practical Guide to Improve Performance Execution (Amazon Book)

7. Procrastination: Why You Do It and What to Do About It (Amazon Book)

8. Winning with Accountability: The Secret Language of High-Performing Organizations (Amazon Book)

9. Leadership Without Excuses: How to Create Accountability and High Performance (Amazon Book)

10. Solving the Procrastination Puzzle: A Concise Guide to Strategies for Change (Amazon Book)

11. Present Perfect: A Mindfulness Approach to Letting Go of Perfectionism Control (Amazon Book)

12. Seven Mistakes Leaders Make in Setting Goals (Forbes Article)

13. 11 Practical Ways to Stop Procrastinating (Lifehack Article)

14. Strategies to Reduce Perfectionism (Psych Central Article)

15. You Can Get Some Big Things Done When It’s Not All About You (Harvard Business Review Article)

16. The Danger of Complacency in the Workplace (YouTube Video)

17. 10 Signs Your Employees Are Growing Complacent in Their Careers (Forbes Article)

18. Helping People Take Responsibility (Mind Tools Article)

19. The Right Way to Ask for Help at Work (The Muse Article)

20. What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast (Fast Company Article)

21. Overcoming Work Mistakes: Learn How to Speak Up and Move On (Huffington Post Article)

22. Employees, Measure Yourselves (Wall Street Journal Article)

23. Your Employees Want the Negative Feedback You Hate to Give (Harvard Business Review Article)