As a conflict resolution consultant and accountability coach I help my clients reduce conflict in the workplace to improve their working condition.
I get asked the following question from many of my clients: “How can I help my employees become even more accountable than they are now?”
The following are key factors on accountability:
- Accountability is important for everyone on your team.
- We need to make ourselves obsolete before anyone else does.
- Doing our job the same way that we did 1 year ago is a sign of mediocrity
Of course this is good for the company. It is also good for us. We feel empowered when we do the best that we can. It is a win/win for everyone.
I’d like to share a story about a manager of a local electronics store who was always accountable for the right reasons. Sue always helped me when I needed to exchange a product or purchase something new. She took care of me and consistently showed an enormous amount of respect.
The last time I went to the store Sue told me that her managerial position was being eliminated. I was in shock because she was the best manager in that entire system. At that very moment I remembered that a client of mine who was the CEO of a company in Ann Arbor MI was looking for a new manager. I asked Sue where she lived, and I’m sure that you can guess the rest of the story. Sue lived in Ann Arbor. I introduced my client to Sue about 8 years ago and she is still the manager in the Ann Arbor Company.
We never know who we are speaking with when we are at work. It is a gift when we are accountable and treat others with respect. Plus we could be speaking to our future boss!
Here are some tips to make sure that we are as accountable as possible:
- Ask yourself and your team how everyone can hold each other more accountable.
- Ask what opportunities will open up for everyone when everyone is accountable?
- Many people just get by and don’t care about going the extra mile. Remember, what goes around comes around!
I hope that these tips will help your team have interesting conversations on the importance of accountability. Remember…there is no room for mediocrity! My next article will deal with committing fully to your job.
Until next time, this is Joyce Weiss and remember, “You get what you tolerate!”
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If you enjoyed this video, you may enjoy the following articles:
Lean Culture and Reducing Conflict in the Workplace
How to Reduce Conflict in the Workplace and Interpersonal Issues at Home
Do You Want to Feel Empowered to Reduce Conflict in the Workplace?