June 2004
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Establishing Accountability
Accountability is an essential personal quality for maximizing results. Although accountability is key for the team leader it is also an integral quality for all members of the team. Establishing accountability for team members will create ownership for results that in turn will build self worth, team unity and ultimately, prosperity.
What is accountability?
Being accountable means that you trust the decisions you make, thereby holding yourself responsible for the outcome. Accountability entails accepting ownership for both positive and negative interactions you are involved with.
Accountability recognizes that you choose your physical and verbal behavior. When your actions are done with integrity, you believe you are meeting or exceeding the requirements that have been made of you.
How does accountability pertain to you?
Establishing accountability begins with determining who you are accountable too. Being accountable to ones self is a great place to start. External accountability frequently encourages us to follow through on our commitments more than internal accountability. But what a gift it is when we are first and foremost accountable to ourselves, because when that is the case, it is easier to be consistently accountable.
Team members may need to be encouraged to become more accountable. Openly and honestly discuss with your team exactly what each person is responsible for. Be comfortable with asking questions regardless of your position within the team.
As a leader, you are the head of your team and it is your obligation to create and communicate expectations for each team member. Include explicit details to ensure each individual feels trusted with vital responsibilities. This will enable your team members to choose behavior patterns that will contribute to your Practice’s prosperity.
As a team member, you are part of the body of the team, and contribute essential skills, creativity and knowledge unique to you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand what is expected of you. Accountability not only includes responsibility, but also your promise and obligation.
Responsibility covers the mainstream expectations of your position within the team. The function of your promise is to ensure your efforts have the team’s best interest in mind. Obligation is inclusive of more implicit norms, such as your words and body language.
Strategies to Build Accountability
1. Understand Yourself. Exercise your intrapersonal being. Occasionally take time for inward reflection. Are you providing your best for the team? Do you feel effective? What do you want to strengthen? Pay attention to the minutest details; utilize your instincts and be brutally honest.
2. Understand Your Team. Exercise your interpersonal being. Encourage team members to make proactive decisions. Understanding the vision and mission for the Practice will enhance decision-making skills.
3. Build Your Strategy. Collectively determine what the goals and objectives are for the practice, and then create an action plan to get you there. Ensure that goals for the Practice are verbalized and understood by all members of the team. Consider creating ways to monitor accountability.
4. Review Results and Recognize. Exercise your appreciation. Celebrate each victory, no matter how small. Spontaneously compliment a job well done as it happens. Valuing and acknowledging team members’ time and effort inspires them to keep up the good work.
As accountability is strengthened within a team, confidence and competence will reach new heights. Best wishes as you and your team strive to become unconditionally accountable.
About the Author
CoraMarie Clark, MBA is recognized
as a highly effective Dental Practice Strategist.
She works with dentists that want to optimize
their potential both personally and professionally.
Her collaborative approach has helped teams develop
dynamic competitive strategies and achieve high
impact sustainable results.
If
you would like to explore the possibility of having
CoraMarie work with your Dental Practice or speak
for your Association or Group, contact us today.
CoraMarie
Clark
phone 403.686.6136
email coramarie@strategix-ltd.com
web strategix-ltd.com
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