Dear Coach,
What are your views on workplace accountability?
Best,
Jayne
Dear Jayne,
I believe there are three types of workplace accountability: (1) hierarchical, (2) peer, and (3) self.
Hierarchical means you behave and obey, or else. It’s accountability motivated by fear of consequence.
Peer arises from the fact that most of us care about what others think of us. That care for others’ opinion can encourage accountability.
Self is by far the best kind of accountability. It’s where you share a sense of purpose and feel a commitment to do what you need to do to help your colleagues and organization succeed. You don’t need the threat of consequence or peer pressure because you already own the responsibility.
Unfortunately many conventional employer practices are rooted in hierarchical accountability not self-accountability. Examples include the annual performance review, discussed here, progressive discipline, discussed here, and legalistic deterrence-based anti-harassment policies, discussed here.
I am currently writing a book. A central aim is to persuade organization leaders and HR professionals to move away from the hierarchical accountability model and create a workplace culture that promotes and encourages self-accountability.
Best,
Jathan
Jathan Janove is a Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching Master Coach and Practice Leader. You can learn more about him here. If you have a question you’d like him to address, please email us at AsktheCoach@mgscc.net.
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