“I have no idea if they finished the training.”

I heard a small business owner say this about his supervisors regarding online training they were required to take. My first thought was, “You’re the one in charge, why don’t you know?”

This type of thing is all too common because leaders assume that their people act on the direction given and they do not follow up.

Are You Creating a Culture of Accountability?

It doesn’t automagically happen because that’s what we want. You may operate in a way where once you’re given an assignment, you complete it without a reminder or follow up. But that is you and you cannot expect others will operate in the same way. A culture of accountability is created by -

• Implementing processes and other measurable systems.
• Talking about and following up on the systems so they are ingrained. 
• Regularly monitoring operational output and taking action when necessary.

People will always push the boundaries either intentionally or simply because they prioritize the importance differently than you do. When no one says anything, it sends a message that it’s not a big deal.

You are the leader and responsible for making sure all the ducks are in a row. Delegate but never abdicate or you will find yourself in a continual state of frustration and reining people in. Don’t be a jerk but don’t be a doormat either.

Not sure about the balance between jerk and doormat? I specialize in helping small business owners and 1-person HR teams find that balance and create a company where people are productive and happy to come to work.