Welcome to this episode of Jack Chat and another tiny lesson in leadership, straight up.
In this episode, I’d like to talk about accountability. Specifically, I want to answer the question leaders ask me all the time: “How do I hold people accountable?”
Well… let me disappoint you right away when I tell you… THAT’S the wrong question to ask. Today’s tiny lesson is captured in the better question to ask:
“How do I create an environment that encourages accountability?”
I have three bits of advice for you here:
One: Create clarity
We are rarely as clear as we think we are. We HOPE for specific outcomes more often than we ASK for specific outcomes. Getting good at setting clear expectations is one of the best ways to be able step back and let others take ownership.
Two: Stop adding so much value
We often add our two cents to conversations to show others how smart we are. (C’mon…you know you do it.) But adding your two cents to every conversation damages other peoples’ confidence and commitment.
Three: Believe in people
When leaders step in, others step out. Stop telling yourself a story that the other person can’t do the work as well as you can. This only leads to you stepping in and it kicks off a cycle of the other person stepping out… you stepping in…. them stepping out… you get the picture.
Here are some self-reflection questions to help break the cycle and build accountability:
- How clear are the expectations on my team? How could I make them more clear?
- When am I most likely to add my two cents and how might I break this pattern?
- Where do I need to step out so that others can step in?
Give those questions some thought, stop killing accountability…and join me again for another chat!