Implementing a Cadence of Accountability at Work

Are You Thinking of Implementing a Cadence of Accountability at Work?
Even the most well designed strategies need the corporate discipline to track progress, make adjustments, and follow through on action plans.  High performing teams operate with elevated levels of clarity, commitment, and accountability.  If you are thinking about implementing a cadence of accountability at work, this article is for you.

Why Implementing a Cadence of Accountability at Work Matters
Where most company objectives evolve rapidly and when the stakes are high, the concept of accountability stands as a cornerstone for success. To us, a culture of accountability means doing what you say you will do regardless of what is going on around you.  It means being accountable to yourself, your team, and the organization as a whole.

We know from organizational culture assessment data that companies that struggle implementing a cadence of accountability at work do not execute their strategies in a way that makes sense to their people or the business.  They do not go above and beyond, they do not take care of each other, and they do not stick together when the going gets tough.  Why? Because they do not have a deep enough connection to each other, or the actions required to move the strategy forward.

Implementing a Cadence of Accountability at Work: Practical Insights
At its core, a cadence of accountability encapsulates the consistent and structured approach to ensuring progress, fostering ownership, and driving results within teams and organizations. It’s akin to the steady beat of a drum, guiding individuals towards shared goals while holding them answerable for their contributions.  It requires a concerted effort and a commitment to change. Here are some practical insights on implementing a cadence of accountability at work:

1. Leadership Buy-in
   True accountability starts from the top. Leaders must champion the cause and embody the principles of accountability in their daily words, actions, and decisions. Their unwavering support sets the tone for a culture of ownership for the entire organization.

   The objective is to create the conditions to make it easy for accountability and strategy execution to flourish.

2. Clear Expectations and Performance Status
   Establishing clear expectations ensures that everyone understands their roles, responsibilities, and the desired outcomes. Our organizational alignment research found that strategic clarity accounts for 31% of the difference between high and low performing teams. Strategic clarity minimizes ambiguity and empowers individuals to take ownership of their contributions because everyone knows how things are going and where they stand.

   The objective is to shift accountability from always being driven “from the top down” to a shared responsibility and commitment to each other to always follow through.

3. Consistent Accountability Meetings
   Regularity is key to the success of accountability meetings. Whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, maintaining a consistent cadence fosters discipline and habituation, ensuring that transparency and accountability becomes ingrained in the organization’s DNA. Done right, accountability meetings create the strategic and cultural pulse of the organization.

   The objective is to be transparent about where things stand, learn from successes and failures, and to update commitments in a way that makes sense to everyone.

4. Celebrate Progress
   Acknowledging achievements, no matter how small, fuels motivation and morale. Celebrating progress during accountability meetings reinforces positive behaviors and cultivates a culture of appreciation and camaraderie.

   The objective is to encourage the desired behaviors and to discourage the undesired behaviors whenever possible.

The Bottom Line
Implementing a cadence of accountability takes focus, action, transparency, and rhythm.  Teams that cultivate a culture of accountability perform at their peak.  Through consistent implementation and unwavering commitment, the cadence of accountability becomes not just a practice but a way of working.

To learn more about creating a culture of accountability, download How Much Should Leaders Push for Higher Performance?  The Science Behind Performance Expectations