The workplace is an important area in the business world. But, it is the people who work there that truly make it special. These “teams” are what keep the business afloat with their hard work and passion for their careers. But, as the manager, you also have to focus not on just the positives, but on holding your team accountable during the negative as well.
Team Accountability
Team accountability is an important skill that a manager needs. Sometimes a member of the team has to be accounted for if they are missing deadlines or other factors. A manager should be able to create an aura of responsibility in the workplace to help motivate and push employees to meet goals and make positive results.
When you want to be a well-liked boss, it can be difficult to issue out team accountability. You may not get the reaction you were hoping for and it can lead to tension in the office.
In fact, a survey of CEOs stated that 18% of them admit that holding team accountability was their largest weakness. 15% also said that they had a hard time removing underperformers.
The purpose of this article is to make it easier to hold the team accountable. It is essential that you hold team accountability because if you can’t stand up for your business, no one will. It’s your job and your livelihood and unfortunately, hard choices have to be made. But, it is extremely important that you make this as easy and understandable as possible so that there are no hurt feelings.
Leaders Should Hold Themselves Accountable
As the manager, you are responsible for your team. If everything is not up to standards, then that falls on you. Take a step back and think about what went wrong and how to address it. You are the role model for the team so all failure is also a part of your failure as a leader.
You want to make a positive impact on them. Therefore, you need to lead by example. Try some of the following:
- Get all of your tasks done before the deadline.
- Support the team when needed.
- Arriving at work prepared.
It’s these little things that can inspire them to work better. Plus, you don’t have to worry as much about team accountability.
Set Expectations
An important part of being a manager is dictating what is needed to be done. You need to deliver orders with crystal clear precision. Miscommunication is a common workplace problem. Don’t let that be a problem at your job. Make sure all instructions are given with exactly what you want.
Setting those expectations gives the employees guidance to know what they are doing and that it is their responsibility to get their work done. Also, giving everything by voice will only lead to confusion. Have everything written so that the tasks are all documented and clearly stated.
Team accountability will be low if everyone knows what they are doing.
Provide All Resources Needed
Business requires success. For a manager, that means you need to set your team up for success. That support is key to any team. They need all the knowledge, resources, and other denominators that assist in increases of skills like confidence and it improves their abilities.
It is the responsibility of the manager that you provide all resources required for the job and for success. Or, they will be set up for failure. Properly done instructions can be accomplished, but not without the tools needed. No tools, no solution. Then it becomes a big problem. Having the resources gives the team their own accountability as they have access to the tools they need.
Get on Poor Performance Quickly
At times, you will notice when a team member is slipping in their work. It is essential that you handle this kind of stuff as quickly as possible. Otherwise, it will become a larger mess down the road.
When it comes to poor performance you have to find what was the issue in which the task could not be completed before the deadline. Consider factors like:
- Technical Issues
- Miscommunication
- Personal Issues
Many other examples exist. But, these are some of the most commonly seen in the workplace. When this happens, you have to hold the team member accountable.
With accountability, you need to find out where you went wrong with the team. Think back to remember if you made a mistake in your agenda. Also, it is important that you listen and ask the team member what’s wrong.
Actively listen and discuss what went wrong and how to properly address it. Doing this allows team accountability as well as personal accountability. Remaining calm and assisting your employee will also make you look more favorable.
Conclusion
Like a general with their brigade, a manager commands their team. Both need to listen and take care of those under them or else they will lose respect.
Team accountability creates a stronger team – one motivated to achieve its goals. Approaching team accountability requires patience, empathy, and compassion to ensure a more positive workplace and work experience.
