🗂️ The Accountability Framework
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Enjoy the 146th Podup, with special thanks to ChatGPT Consulting - a structured 4-week program to transform your team’s productivity and creativity.
Today, we’ll dive into the best insights and ideas from The Logan Bartlett Show.
Who's in charge here? This simple question sheds light on a stark truth – many projects suffer due to a lack of accountability. Zach Weinberg's method helps us clarify who’s responsible (or not as the case may be) so you can ensure every project has an owner.
How to assess accountability
Ask yourself ‘For the next 12 months, what are my top 5 priorities?’
Then ask ‘For each priority, what are the 3 most important projects that have to happen for this to be a success?’
Now we have 15 projects. For each one, ask ‘Who gets fired if it doesn’t go well?’
This realization forces you to think. You say ‘Actually, these 2 people are responsible for this project.’
At this point, you have no accountability.
The 15 most important things in your company should have a single name against them.
Board members often overlook this, yet they should be asking ‘You’ve outlined these priorities, but who is responsible for each?’
Zach Weinberg
Check if everyone is aligned
The second part of this exercise is to ask those people if they know they’re accountable.
You’re looking for the delta between what management thinks and what the actual people think.
This entire process takes about 2 hours. It’s not that hard. But nobody does it.
This is how I diagnose accountability in any company.
Zach Weinberg
Why it matters
By assigning clear ownership for each of your top priorities, you can empower leaders to make decisions and drive results.
This doesn’t have to stop at the company level. You can apply this accountability framework to any department.
This helps you understand how effectively each team is run and diagnose accountability issues before they hurt your business.
Next steps
Follow the framework. Trial this within your own team, assess its impact, then encourage other teams to do the same.
Educate your team. Ensure projects have a single accountable individual, then explain why it’s so important.
Communicate expectations. Have candid conversations with each accountable person, making sure they understand their responsibilities and the consequences of not meeting them.
Your thoughts?
More from Podup
Accountability is key. Learn from Matt Mochary as he shares common CEO mistakes and the power of taking responsibility.
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