Yoda and Accountability

Creating accountability is one of the most common challenges for leaders.  What is accountability?  At the heart of the definition is specificity - - managers and leaders creating specific language, specific expectations, and specific consequences.  The power of your actions is preceded by the power of your words.  Accountability killers are:

We'll see

I'll try

If I have the time

Maybe

I will get back to you on that

I'll do my best

Building accountability starts with the following words:

Yes, no, or I am not sure but I will give you an answer by noon tomorrow

I will own this

I will make time to get this done

I promise to close the loop by noon tomorrow

I will make it happen

Remember the words of Yoda in Star Wars:

"Do or do not.  There is no try."