How Accountability Can Enhance Employee Morale and Job Satisfaction

The Accountability Guy®

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The University of Warwick conducted a rather interesting study – a couple of experiments led by Dr Daniel Sgroi, Professor Andrew Oswald, and Dr. Eugenio Proto found that the happier a person is, the more productive they become.

While a good portion of the world may be unaware of this, Google sure is no stranger to the rewards of a happy workforce – the search engine giant’s growth improved by a whopping 37% simply by focusing on employee happiness and boosting their morale.

However, what is the best way to go about this? Most certainly not installing another coffee machine or serving an all-you-want-to-eat buffet on Saturdays! The secret sauce behind satisfied employees is the simple act of positive accountability.

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Defining Positive Accountability

Some people even mistake accountability for micromanagement! Thankfully, the true definition includes none of that dreadful stuff. Let’s understand the term using The Oz Principle. According to this principle, (positive) accountability is merely the desire to rise above one’s current circumstances and showcase the necessary ownership to reach desired goals.

Employees driven by positive accountability are able to see their daily work as a joy rather than drudgery. Also, when unforeseen challenges arise, they feel empowered to take relevant actions instead of being paralysed by fear.

Ways in Which Positive Accountability Boosts Employee Morale

Once leaders have defined accountability well, they can begin to understand different ways in which this simple act can motivate employees to take better decisions. All of this ultimately enhances employee morale and increases job satisfaction.

1. Putting Employees on the Driver’s Seat

Who doesn’t like to be in control of the situation, of their work, and of life in general? When employees are offered the driver’s seat, they tend to take better ownership of their work.

Because it is within their power to perform meaningful work, they are more likely to take care of its quality and turnaround. Constant nit-picking and pointing of fingers can demoralise even the best of us. This is why ownership of work also improves employee engagement and reduces company turnover.

2. Emphasis on a Meaningful Cause

Contrary to mainstream belief, no healthy individual enjoys procrastination. This practice is a sure sign for someone who is struggling to find meaning in their work.

Since it is a purpose that brings job satisfaction and a sense of fulfilment, positive accountability works wonders. It offers employees a clear idea of their involvement in the company’s larger picture. This instils a sense of purpose and pushes employees to do their best in their daily projects.

When an employee finds meaning in their work, they are also able to navigate monotony, which is a part of every job, at least to some degree.

3. Proper Distribution of the Burden of Responsibility

When each team member is held accountable for their role, there are clearly defined expectations. This eliminates confusion to a great extent and saves much time.

Occurrences of blame-shifting were reduced, and no employee felt underworked or over-pressured to drive results. Over time, work culture strengthens because people can admit errors without fearing the blame.

4. A Greater Degree of Trust

Let’s be honest – nobody enjoys working in a place they can’t seem to trust others an inch. Breeding positive accountability is all about introducing work with integrity.

This means everyone trusts the other when it comes to meeting deadlines, ensuring proper quality checks and even timely communication in case a roadblock is discovered. Employees look forward to working because they know they can communicate openly and work with transparency.

Quick Tips on Introducing Greater Accountability within Your Team

As a leader, you must know that accountability can be a challenging course to traverse. This is mainly because while most employees crave accountability, they might also fear it at the same time. Why? Because of the impending punishment for not meeting the expectations.

So, how can you create safe accountability that shifts the focus from mistake-monitoring to celebrating accomplishments? Follow these quick tips!

Make the end results as clear as possible – better security, greater customer satisfaction, more revenue, etc.
Give employees a choice. Let them tell you about the areas they believe they can make the greatest impact.
Never dilute accountability. If employees find the process initially difficult, let them go through the experience.
Monitor progress and offer suggestions or advice whenever needed but avoid micromanagement. Upon success, allow your team to take credit and celebrate their proud moments.
Identify team members who are slacking and correct them. If they continue to stay unmotivated, consider weeding them out.

Positive Accountability is a Two-Way Street

Finally, The Oz Principle’s definition of accountability only works in scenarios where accountability is treated as a two-way street. As much as leaders are expected to hold their team members accountable, they must be willing to assume the same responsibility.

This helps in leading by example, solidifies trust, encourages open communication, and fosters meaningful workplace relationships. They say it right when they say that the most successful leaders leave behind an enduring legacy of not just growth but also of service.

As they hold others accountable, they are also open to upholding themselves to a greater standard of conduct and behaviour.

About The Author

Darren Finkelstein, The Accountability Guy®, is the founder of TICK THOSE BOXES, a specialised accountability coaching practice. Darren is a formidable international accountability coach, business advisor, mentor, and author/speaker, fostering development and measurable results in entrepreneurship, leadership, and accountability. Darren’s tale is one of perseverance, self-reinvention, and resilience.

With compelling execution, Darren has empowered high-achieving individuals and teams from Australia and New Zealand to Latin America, Europe, Asia, the UK, and the US to embrace accountability; after all, it is your superpower.

Darren’s one-on-one and group coaching programs are based on his bestselling business book, “The Accountability Advantage – Play your best game” and the latest, release “NO’ – Building a life of choice without obligation”.

Darren has an impressive background in business, having held the role of “Manager of Commercial Markets” at Apple Australia during the Steve Jobs revolution.

He enthusiastically “walks the talk,” having also successfully sold and exited his lifestyle businesses, which served as the impetus for establishing his coaching and mentoring business.

Join Darren on this transformative quest to accomplish the remarkable.

Read Darren’s full bio here:
https://tickthoseboxes.com.au/about/