Accountability is essential in the workplace to ensure productivity, collaboration, and achieving organisational goals. Here are some practical ways to apply accountability at work: 

1. Clearly Define Roles and Responsibilities: Start by establishing clear job descriptions and expectations for each team member. Ensure that everyone understands their roles, responsibilities, and the desired outcomes. This clarity helps individuals take ownership of their tasks and be accountable for their performance. 
2. Set SMART Goals: Use the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal-setting framework to establish clear and measurable objectives for individuals and teams. SMART goals provide a clear direction and make tracking progress and evaluating outcomes easier. 
3. Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Define key performance indicators that align with the organisation’s overall objectives and individual roles. KPIs serve as quantifiable metrics to measure progress and success. Review and discuss KPIs with team members to ensure accountability and improvement towards the desired outcomes. 
4. Regular Check-ins and Performance Reviews: Schedule regular check-in meetings with team members to discuss progress, challenges, and achievements. These meetings provide an opportunity to provide feedback, address concerns, and identify any support or resources needed. Conduct formal performance reviews to evaluate individual and team performance and set goals for future improvement. 
5. Foster a Culture of Transparency and Open Communication: Create an environment where open and honest communication is encouraged. Encourage employees to speak up, share ideas, and raise concerns without fear of retribution. Transparent communication helps to address issues promptly, make informed decisions, and promote accountability. 
6. Encourage Personal Ownership: Encourage employees to take ownership of their work by giving them autonomy and decision-making authority within their roles. When individuals feel a sense of ownership, they are more likely to take responsibility for their actions and outcomes. 
7. Regular Progress Updates: Implement a system where team members regularly update their progress on assigned tasks and projects. It can be done through project management tools, shared documents, or status update meetings. Regular progress updates promote transparency, allow for timely feedback, and inform everyone of the team’s progress. 
8. Encourage Learning from Mistakes: Create a culture that views mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures. Encourage employees to reflect on mistakes, identify areas for improvement, and share lessons learned with the team. This approach fosters a growth mindset and encourages individuals to take accountability for their actions and learn from their experiences.
9. Lead by Example: As a leader or manager, modelling accountability in your actions and behaviours is crucial. Be transparent, admit your mistakes, and hold yourself accountable for your responsibilities. Employees who see leaders taking ownership are likelier to emulate this behaviour.