Every place I go, if Im in an organization long enough, Ill hear people lament about the lack of accountability. Specifically, I hear things like: They just dont seem to care enough, I guess. Those action items never get done I dont know why we even identify them. I have trouble getting people to be committed to achieving the things they are responsible for. Everyone wants to blame someone else it is never their responsibility.
These comments come from every level, and they are referring to people both above them organizationally, as well as those that may work for them. In other words the concern is widespread and includes everyone.
People are concerned because a lack of accountability is frustrating, but they also know that tremendous productivity and efficiencies can be gained when more people are accountable for completing their tasks, commitments and expectations.
Accountability is an important thing.
Unfortunately, inherent in most all of the comments above and in the many conversations Ive had is that people think the accountability gap is about someone else. They arent accountable. They need to improve. The focus is on fixing the...