On March 20 we held a Mini Forum conference call for RBL Institute members. The topic we tackled is an age-old dilemma for organizations: “How do you create a culture of accountability to improve performance?”

Webster’s defines “accountable” as “subject to having to report, explain or justify; being answerable, responsible.”  Accountability is unfortunately viewed as a negative in some organizations - something to be feared.  It is a consequence of poor performance that will end up hurting you.  Many approaches to improve accountability have unintended consequences on employee engagement, innovation, and retention.

During this call we would like to explore a new definition of accountability: “A personal choice to rise above one’s circumstances and demonstrate the ownership necessary for achieving desired results.” This is in essence what High Performing Organizations are all about - every individual owning the business and feeling accountable as if it were their own.  They have the attitude of continually asking, “What else can I do to achieve the results I desire and the organization needs in order to succeed?”

During the call we learned about what organizations are doing today to create a culture of accountability and then explored what it would take for us to change the conversation.

1. What is working within your company on driving greater levels of accountability? What have you learned? What key challenges have you faced?
2. Armed with the new definition of accountability, what can Human Resources do to create organizations where a new level of personal ownership & accountability flourishes?

PARTICIPANTS: Each RBL Institute member company is allowed to register ONE person to participate in this call.  Ideal participants include: senior HR leaders, Centers of Expertise leaders (such as Talent Management or Learning & Development), as well as line leaders with a passion for improving employee and organization performance.  The participant should come prepared to share their point of view on the questions.

*Institute Members only. Contact Ginger Bitter for more information.