It’s important to get ahead of these accountability busters by getting agreement on actions, setting end dates, checking in regularly, and holding people accountable for missed commitments. In setting this standard of accountability, there are actions that leaders can take to enable people to meet high expectations and be held accountable for their work.

There are five leadership practices that enable people to meet high expectations.

Enhance and Maintain Employee Self-Esteem

When leaders acknowledge and celebrate the strengths and contributions of their team members, they boost morale and self-confidence. By showing genuine appreciation and respect, leaders help employees feel valued and motivated, which in turn encourages them to perform at their best and take pride in their work. High self-esteem among employees also fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty to the organization, reducing turnover rates and promoting a positive workplace culture.

Set Challenging Goals

Setting challenging goals is a powerful way to inspire and drive employees toward excellence. Goals should be ambitious yet attainable, pushing team members out of their comfort zones and encouraging them to stretch their capabilities. When leaders set clear, specific, and measurable goals, they provide a roadmap for success that employees can strive toward. Additionally, leaders should provide the necessary resources and support to help employees achieve these goals while also celebrating milestones and progress along the way.

Create a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment is essential for enabling employees to meet high expectations. Leaders should cultivate a culture of trust, respect, and open communication where team members feel safe to express ideas, ask questions, and take risks. By showing empathy, being approachable, and actively listening to employee concerns, leaders can create a workplace where individuals feel valued and supported, which enhances their ability to perform and innovate.

Catch People Doing Something Right

Recognizing and rewarding positive behavior is a powerful way to reinforce desired actions and boost employee morale. Leaders should make a conscious effort to catch people doing something right and acknowledge it promptly and sincerely. This can be done through verbal praise, written notes of appreciation, or public recognition in meetings or company communications. Positive reinforcement not only motivates the individual being recognized but also sets a standard for others to emulate.

Provide Constructive Feedback

Providing constructive feedback is crucial for continuous improvement and development. Leaders should aim to balance positive feedback with areas for improvement, ensuring that employees understand what they are doing well and where they can grow. Constructive feedback should be delivered in a supportive and respectful manner, with the goal of helping employees develop their skills and achieve their potential.

Tips and Best Practices

Lastly, here is a list of tips and best practices that will help you create more accountability within individuals and teams:

• Be a role model by holding yourself accountable.
• Evaluate the level of accountability of your direct reports; identify probable causes and actions for increasing accountability.
• Enable honest communications about problems without fear of reprisal.
• Use action plans to document commitments.
• Coach people to ask themselves three accountability questions.
• Encourage a “What else can I do to achieve the results that I want?” attitude.