Accountability is often associated with fear or punishment, but it’s actually a key driver of growth, innovation, and success. At the NeuroLeadership Institute, we’ve identified three cognitive habits that can help teams build accountability from the ground up.
**Sync Expectations**
The first habit of proactive accountability is syncing expectations. This means getting clear about what’s expected of each team member and ensuring everyone is on the same page. When expectations are met, trust and satisfaction soar, while unmet expectations erode trust.
To sync expectations effectively, use SSG (succinct, specific, and generous) communication. Be clear, concise, and considerate in your requests, and make sure to provide visual cues and explanations to support understanding.
**Drive with Purpose**
Once expectations are aligned, the next step is to drive with purpose. This means connecting tasks to a higher goal and working deliberately to achieve it. When people have a sense of purpose, they’re intrinsically motivated to act, rather than relying on extrinsic rewards.
To help your team drive with purpose, ask questions that elicit a clear “why.” Help them identify the impact their work will have on themselves and others, and encourage them to take ownership of their responsibilities.
**Own the Impact**
The final habit of proactive accountability is owning the impact. This means taking responsibility for results, even when things don’t go as planned. When we own our mistakes, we can learn from them and devise new plans to keep pushing toward success.
To own your team’s impact effectively, use a three-step approach: take responsibility, say how you’ll fix it, and ask for others’ input. By choosing to learn from our mistakes, we preserve trust and promote growth.
By implementing these three habits, Marcus was able to replicate the cognitive habits of his star employee Jennifer, without having to clone her seven times. With the right focus and approach, you can help your team develop proactive accountability, driving performance, growth, and success.
Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91344976/3-cognitive-habits-of-people-who-get-things-done-cognitive-habits-high-achievers