We work with leaders in the process of moving toward 100% accountability, and we often hear this question…
>>> It may be a leader at any level who doesn’t see themselves fully in charge or in control due to the person above them.
>>> It could be an executive who reports to ‘corporate’ or a board of directors.
>>> It could be a mid-level manager reporting to a senior leader.
>>> Or it could be a frontline leader who has all kinds of levels of leadership above them.
One senior leader I worked with, in a meeting with his team, said ‘corporate’ was the reason something couldn’t be accomplished.
I caught his comment and spoke with him about it after the group session ended.
Because he was basically ‘blaming’ corporate, he was unintentionally giving his team permission to do the same—blame corporate when they didn’t hit a goal.
This leader certainly didn’t intend to do this, and didn’t even realize he was doing it. But he was giving his power and influence away by not being accountable.
We don’t have 100% control over everything. But we do have a lot more influence than we recognize.
And what’s even more important is knowing that we do have 100% control over our RESPONSE.
^^^This is accountability.
Here’s what we’ve seen…
Leaders can often feel frustrated and even sometimes overwhelmed when they experience roadblocks or limitations in their environment at work.
But these FRUSTRATIONS, ROADBLOCKS AND LIMITATIONS that can feel overwhelming are the actual CLUES to how we can achieve higher levels of success.
These are like the dashboard lights on a car that indicate something is wrong under the hood. We need to examine these indicators to move toward 100% accountability.
So, here are some tips on how to be 100% accountable when you’re not in charge…
1) Illuminate and understand the areas where you don’t feel like you have control. Make a list of what all those are. Do a brain dump. Anything that would prevent you from hitting a goal, anything that’s frustrating, a barrier, roadblock. Get it on a list, so you know what you’re working with.
2) Challenge yourself at a higher level around each of these items. Determine: is it really important for me to hit that goal or address this issue? If it is, what is one thing you could think or do differently that would move the needle even 5% more on accountability? What could potentially change the outcome?
3) Now, act on it. Wherever you are, when you take action, you’re moving yourself toward 100% accountability.
This is taking ownership. This is taking your power back! Embark on the journey toward 100% accountability. It’s worth it! And your team will thank you!