Expectations & Accountability

Executive Insight from Fluidity

A great article from Dave Rovinski at Fluidity!

One of the challenges facing business owners and corporate executives in this economic environment is making sure the team is clear on expectations and that people are held accountable. When the business plan clarifies the mission of the company and key success factors are identified, management has the tools to achieve both.

Workers perform most effectively when they know what is expected of them. That includes knowing what the level of performance is and what the deadlines are that need to be met. While the expectations should be realistic, it is acceptable to make them a stretch for an employee. They may need more training or require a few extra meetings with supervisors, but the expectations become the benchmarks for getting the work done. Where the accountability factor comes in is making sure that management holds itself accountable to provide the work force with the right tools and training to accomplish the objectives. The owner needs to constantly probe to make sure what needs to be achieved is clear to the people in the trenches getting the job done. It is unfair to put the responsibility for a project on an employee with no experience in that role. Running a business successfully requires a solid plan, clear expectations, and everyone being accountable for their actions. Nothing should be left to chance.