Accountability Measures

   A successful company, business, or organization is a thing of beauty. It is the caterpillar that breaks out of it's cocoon and matures into the beautiful butterfly. A vision is cast and over time and with many components and hard work it grows into a successful venture. There are many items that lend themselves to  this success. One of the most important items is accountability. It is a very powerful dynamic that yields tremendous rewards when embraced. Here are four areas that can undermine a company, business, or organizations accountability. When we assume that everyone is always up to speed and on task, the bigger picture is at risk. The truth is, we all need reminders from time to time.
Focus. We should never assume that everyone always knows their duties and responsibilities. How we manage these is one way to examine our commitment to accountability. No one really wants a boss, manager, or supervisor standing over them. After all being responsible is the heart and soul of accountability. Nonetheless, there is no substitute for defining and reviewing key responsibilities. It will assist us in keeping our focus on those things required of us.
Consistency. Many think that any initiative that comes from the boss will stick. The assumption is since the boss said it, it will be done and followed through. If this were true, it would solve many issues and cause things to go more smoothly. Of course it is not the case. If a project, plan, or goal is to be met or completed, it results from everyone being consistent. It only takes missing or forgetting one step or missing one goal to hinder the results. Never underestimate your role in reaching the final outcome. The RMI team took it's second cruise this past January. I recall early one morning approximately 4 am waking and turning on the television. The channel happened to be on one of the stations that showed various floors of the ship (Navigator of the Seas). I don't recall the floor, but there was one of the employees mopping the floor at 4 am. It was a telling picture of everyone's importance in meeting the goals and the need to be consistent.
Visibility. Examination and discussion of failures are as important to success as accomplishments. We tend to highlight the good and work to hide the bad. Someone has said that when we stop learning, we stop growing. Our failures have an important role in our development. We must recognize them as lessons learned and steps to improvement. If we are to reap their benefits and rewards, they must be embraced. An environment of sharing profits all.
Training. Training is the foundation of all success. It undergirds our efforts and dreams. It is not enough to have a dream. It must extend to having the know how. I am certain that we have all said, "I wish I knew how to do that!" The goal of all training should be to produce something new or to add to what one already has. Having said that, training is an ongoing venture. When we fail to see and understand this fact, we risk the future of our business, company, or organization.