Walk the Talk of Accountability (Part 7)

This is the last of our 7-part series on the topic of accountability, based on book “Crucial Accountability”, 2013 (authors Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler)

When accountability conversations don’t work

If accountability efforts continue to fail despite best efforts, let the recipient know that the cost of inaction could be disciplinary or if you they don’t report to you, that you will escalate the issue. In approaching the recipient use a gentle tone and:

- Explain the next step and when it will happen

- Follow the entire process through

- Agree who will be doing what and do it

Walk the Talk of Accountability (Part 6)

This is the 6^th in a 7-part series on the topic of accountability, based on book “Crucial Accountability”, 2013 (authors Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler)

Step 4: Make it motivating and easy

If you are in a leadership role, it is your job to remove barriers to success by evaluating them and putting steps in place to overcome them. 

Employees are generally the closest to the problem, so engaging their thinking is likely the best. Make sure you don’t push your biases, ideas, or manipulate them. Create shared solutions and ensure that nothing was missed by recapping what was said and then ask “If this is all done, are you going to be accountable to results?” If the answer is no, there is more to be explored.

Walk the Talk of Accountability (Part 5)

This is the 5^th in a 7-part series on the topic of accountability, based on book “Crucial Accountability”, 2013 (authors Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler)

We'll continue exploring the model presented in Part 2 of this series:

Step 3: Describe the Gap

Once the story is mastered, it is time to engage in the conversation. Feeling safe (time and place) for both parties is a necessary foundation. Ask the recipient what might be an ideal time and place to have a conversation.

Once safety is assured, start the conversation by describing the gap through sharing what specifically you observed versus what was expected.  

Walk the Talk of Accountability (Part 2)

This is the 2nd of a 7-part series on the topic of accountability, based on book “Crucial Accountability”, 2013 (authors Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler)

Accountability is a word that erupted as mainstream due to numerous corporate scandals and the economic and competitive challenges that abound. 

It is no longer just a term used for accounting practices; it is now a behavioural expectation in leadership. As such, "Accountability" is being enforced by many organizations as ‘the way we do business around here’.

Claiming a value of accountability in is one thing; living and breathing the necessary behaviours to enable it is another. Why is that?