Defining Accountability Accountability is the acceptance and obligation to carry out a responsibility. This includes being answerable for decisions, actions, and the outcomes. The term accountability often carries a negative connotation; however, accountability is beneficial in many ways, including personal benefits, as well as benefits for a team or organization. Accountability represents a form of trust, which is a fundamental trait for employees to have. The practice of accountability can involve power being transferred from one individual to another. In the workplace, being accountable means to take this power and own it. In other words, employees should respect their everyday obligations to perform their best, and work toward building the business. Accountability will help to avoid negligence or misconduct in the workplace. Each employee is accountable to carry out specific tasks, however the employer will also be accountable for controlling and directing the team.
An accountable employee will have specific habits, including:
• Taking responsibility, and managing this responsibility
• Practicing time management skills
• Avoiding excuses
• Working with the other members of the team