Effective means to help become a accountable leader

A willingness to be held accountable. This is the key factor every leader must have. Without a willingness to put themselves in this position, any other method will be met with skepticism and cease to work. An accountable leader allows themselves to be exposed to criticism, checks and balances, and the full responsibility of their actions and intentions.

Having the correct intentions and perspective. One’s intentions must align with the organization’s values. If the leader’s perspective is to improve through developing and accountability, and their values are aligned with that of the organizations, they will have no hidden agendas and open themselves up to checks and balances.

Communicate clearly your expectations for yourself — to everyone. By informing your people with what you are doing, one can create a better culture of trust. This will work in turn as your people will want to be with a transparent leader who is willing to take valuable input from others. This also needs to be an ongoing and perpetual communication if it is to be genuine and have lasting results.

Establish systems of checks and balances. One leader developed a process in which the department’s financials were reconciled by two of his subordinates. He informed everyone that because his predecessors fudged the books, he wanted everyone to know that he was above-board in this area. By setting up simple systems or procedures, one can ensure that accountability is just as much a practice as it is an intention.

Set up a network of internal and external accountability partners. Internal accountability partners will see a leader’s daily actions and be able to quickly identify when they are going off course. External partners will see things above any potential smokescreens and organizational blinders. A good leader will set up at least a couple of internal and external people to check on their integrity regularly.

Accept all feedback, correction and consequences. This involves having a consistent attitude that allows leaders to be thankful and to learn and grow. They will not dismiss feedback they disagree with but will embrace it as an opportunity to take advice for improvement.

Accountability, above all else, is not merely a means of keeping one honest and in check. It’s the willingness to be of increasing value to the organization and the people one serves. Keeping it simple and transparent will reinforce staff engagement and team alignment while strengthening the leader’s character, credibility and influence in their world.