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Some people think accountability means accepting responsibility when a project goes off course. But true accountability involves taking ownership of your work and viewing your job as a stakeholder would. Do you bring an “owner’s mentality” to the job with you every day? And how can this mindset advance your career?
Accountability: A case history
Have you ever heard an employee say, “I just do what I’m told”? In the past it wasn’t uncommon for administrative staff to operate in this sort of vacuum, performing tasks without knowing why or how their efforts affected the bottom line.
But in today’s fast-paced business environment, it’s become increasingly important to know how your contributions fit into the big picture. Simply “doing what you’re told” prevents you from meeting client and customer needs most efficiently. If you don’t understand why you’re being asked to do something a certain way, request more information. If you can think of a better method for meeting the objective, offer your ideas.
Managers value administrative professionals who take initiative on projects and can be counted on to get the job done. They don’t want to have to check in to make sure the work is moving forward; they want their employees to take the ball and run with it.
Do you always meet your deadlines and follow through with assignments? Can your manager count on you to make sure customers and clients receive the best possible service? Do you look for ways to increase productivity without being asked to do so? This type of accountability greatly enhances your value to your firm and improves your career prospects.
Why it pays to increase your accountability:
· Today’s executives don’t have time to look over their employees’ shoulders. They need people who will do the job right the first time.
· Viewing your job from an ownership perspective helps give meaning to your contributions. You’ll have a better idea of how your efforts support larger company objectives, which, in turn, can help you do a better job.
· By being accountable, you earn the trust of your boss and coworkers. As their trust in you grows, so will the responsibilities that you’re given. In time, this could lead to career advancement.
What’s in demand in today’s workplace
Here’s what managers are looking for:
· A rock — Can your boss count on you 100 percent? Managers increasingly rely on administrative professionals to keep the office running smoothly, especially in their absence. By meeting all of your obligations efficiently and on time, you earn a valuable reputation for dependability.
· The right call — Are you known for making good decisions? Managers need employees who exercise sound judgment. Make sure you gather all relevant information and take a look at issues from your manager’s perspective before you act.
· A fixer — Are you willing to correct a mistake, even if it wasn’t your fault? Rather than pointing fingers when errors occur, focus on solving the problem. Then backtrack to identify what went wrong and how similar situations can be avoided.
· A trusted source — Be up-front when you do make a mistake and come prepared with a solution. Hiding problems only forestalls the inevitable.
Step by step: Becoming more accountable
Build your accountability quotient — and your manager’s trust in you — by doing the following:
· Make deadlines a priority — Work with your manager to set realistic timeframes on projects. Then make sure you always meet your deadlines. If for reasons beyond your control a project is running late, let your boss know as soon as possible and work out a new schedule.
· Complete the circle — Make sure projects stay on track from start to finish. If you encounter setbacks during the process, take the lead in seeing they’re resolved.
· Keep in mind the chain of accountability — You’re accountable to your manager, who, in turn, is accountable to his or her boss. Always be aware that your mistakes reflect poorly on your supervisor, and on the flip side, your successes make him or her look good. The more you can make your manager shine in front of others, the more valuable you’ll be.
· Let the buck stop with you — If coworkers or clients are having trouble finding help, try to point them in the right direction or find a solution for them, even if the matter doesn’t directly involve you. By lending a helping hand you’ll develop a reputation as the person who gets things done.
· Polish your projects — Try to make your work as accurate as possible before it reaches others. Sometimes it helps to put written communications such as memorandums and reports aside for a few hours before proofing them again and sending them on. You’ll be able to catch errors that you might otherwise miss.
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