Business Owners & Leaders: What are your go-to tools for connecting with and motivating team members and clients? What tried-and-true strategies have you found to work throughout the different stages of your business and your career? Is accountability on your short list? If not, this article is definitely for you.
Regardless of your leadership style or the number of individuals you are leading, accountability can be a vital tool in your toolbox. The people you lead – clients, colleagues, even family members – likely come to the table with a mixed bag of experiences and opinions of accountability. Some see it positively and are inspired by it; others have a negative connotation and are intimidated by the concept. Some people have grown because of accountability; others have been stagnated by it.
The truth is, accountability has the potential to be a real game-changer in professional relationships and can become a pillar of the culture you create and the impact you and your business make.
Accountability & Culture
Accountability is equal parts goal-setting and action-taking. It’s about celebrating the wins and giving support through defeats. A study from the American Society for Training and Development found that you have a 65% chance of achieving a goal if you commit to someone, and if you establish ongoing meetings with that someone, the odds increase to 95%! Clearly, social influence is a powerful motivational tool, and science exists to back this up. Creating social comparisons and social commitments with others ups our game and keeps us committed all the way through to completion.
There are four essential things to think about as you are developing accountability with your clients and team members.
- It Begins Day One: It is extremely important that you discuss and define accountability from the very beginning. Be sure you are frequently talking about how accountability is going to be a part of the working relationship. For example, with a new hire, weave this concept into the onboarding process and explain how accountability is part of the positive culture of your business. With new clients, give explicit examples of how accountability is a core value of your company/team, and how it will be beneficial to the client in reaching their goals.
- Consistency Counts: Another extremely important factor is consistency. You can have the best laid plans; You can talk about how frequently you’re going to check in and how you’re going to motivate and inspire, and you can map it all out beautifully on paper or in a project management tool. But, if you are not showing up consistently, as promised and as planned, you will quickly lose the trust and buy-in from others. If you are not consistent, you will send the message that the project – or the person- is not a priority and that you are not equally invested. So, be all in! Do whatever it takes to make sure that you are checking in at the same time and in the same way, asking the right questions and following the agreed upon plan.
- Work on the Why: Your reason for providing accountability is critical. If you implement accountability check-ins or partnership simply because the research says to do so, you will not get the results you seek. You must go a layer deeper; you need to get clear on your why, and help others find their “why” as well. Take the time needed to identify the specific goals and the outcomes that accountability will lead to for everyone.
- Give and Receive: Be sure there are benefits for all parties involved. Are you growing as a leader? Developing new skills? Becoming a better listener? Learning to be consistent? Improving communication skills? “What’s in it for me” is not a selfish question to ask when providing accountability. If you are asking team members and clients to look to you as their accountability partner, I also encourage you to make sure you are walking your talk; that you have others holding you accountable. Ultimately, accountability is something you build into your life, into your lifestyle, into your business, into your personal growth and development. When you walk your talk as an owner and leader, you begin to demonstrate the value in a whole new way, making a greater impact upon all.
Leaders & Accountability
Becoming a leader who values and utilizes accountability takes time and takes practice. Yet I am confident it will become your go-to strategy as you build your business, grow your team, and impact the lives of your clients.
If this sounds great in theory, yet feels overwhelming in terms of how to get started and where to turn for help, then you are in luck! This is my jam, my passion, my expertise and is why I love my business… to help business owners and leaders just like you. Reach out for an initial (complimentary) consultation and let’s build a plan together that feels authentic and achievable. And, yes, I will serve as your accountability partner all the way through to implementation and success!
Recent Comments