Management accountability is the obligation of managers to be answerable for their decisions, actions, and results to ownership for their performance in achieving business goals.
Primary Implication
Being accountable for results is grounded in accountable behaviors. Managers of profitable businesses earn profits because they get things done. They seek solutions to their problems because they recognize that they own the results of their actions.
Managers who don’t practice accountable behaviors are quick to make excuses, blame, and complain. They are more likely to wait and hope as victims who are always scrambling for cash because they are part of a business that never makes enough money.
Overview
What is Accountable Management?
Accountable management means taking ownership for the results of your actions. It’s about being owning your decisions, actions, and results. More than just technical skills, it’s about leading your team to achieve business goals.
How to Spot an Accountable Manager
Here’s what sets accountable managers apart:
- Emotional Stability: They stay calm under pressure, adapt to change, and maintain order even in challenging situations.
- Impartiality: They make fair decisions, free from personal bias.
- Information Savvy: They analyze data, identify trends, and draw informed conclusions.
- Open-Mindedness: They embrace new ideas and adapt to diverse situations.
- Decisive Action: They make confident decisions promptly, earning the respect of their team.
- Understanding their Team: They know their team members’ strengths and weaknesses to maximize performance and foster collaboration.
- Empowering Leadership: They guide and inspire, rather than simply dictate, fostering a sense of purpose and accomplishment in their team.
- Confidence Building: They instill confidence in their team and provide the necessary training and support.
- Constructive Feedback: They offer praise for good work and provide constructive criticism privately when needed.
- Proactive Approach: They anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to enhance productivity.
The Bottom Line
Accountable managers are disciplined and proactive. They don’t wait for problems to arise; they anticipate them. They don’t give up when things get tough; they persevere. They are always looking ahead, ready to tackle whatever comes their way.