The Accountability/Alignment Process: Three Steps to an Accountable Organization

The Accountability/Alignment Process: Three Steps to an Accountable Organization

Generating genuine accountability and functional alignment into your workplace cannot be left to vague ambitions and abstract statements. Well designed processes must be embedded into the heart of an organization to ensure that each employee's goals and expectations are clearly defined and that the resources to bring about specific measurable results are in place.

In our recent book, Aligned Like a Laser, we outline an effective three step process for ensuring managers and employees are mutually accountable and that the entire organization is aligned toward specific goals.

The Accountability/Alignment process has three fundamental steps:

(1) Accountability (2) Alignment (3) and Achievement

These steps shape the essential foundation for the practice of accountability and workplace alignment.

----

Step 1: Accountability

Accountability is articulated through a document called an Accountability Agreement. This document forms a context for success by making each individual's contribution visible within the organization. It is a brief ? 2 to 3 page ? overview of the outcomes that an individual is promising to deliver which also outlines the support and resources that he or she needs from others in order to achieve these results.

Seven Elements of an Accountability Agreement:

(1) Business Focus Statement

(2) Operational Accountabilities

(3) Leadership Accountabilities

(4) Support Requirements

(5) Goals

(6) Sustainment Plan

(7) Positive Consequences

----

Step 2: Alignment

Alignment requires a constructive business dialogue focused on end results. After completing Accountability Agreements, a workgroup negotiates responsibilities and forms an understanding of each member's contribution to the team.

The alignment process involves resolving gaps and overlaps in the team's accountabilities, and it ensures that each member agrees to provide the critical support needed to fulfil the team's purpose.

Alignment clarifies the practice of accountability; it focuses energy and eliminates distractions across the entire organization. It also provides a renewed sense of confidence and interdependence based on a publicly declared promise to deliver business results.

----

Step 3: Achievement

The Accountability/Alignment process brings immediate results, but lasting achievement is gained through maintaining the discipline fostered by the process. There are several ways to ensure that Accountability/Alignment brings long term achievement.

Keep Accountability Agreements Visible
Post progress reports in prominent locations. Provide a forum for people to comment on progress.

Put Accountability Agreements Online
A company's intranet can provide easy access to all Accountability Agreements. Or, use our Align Online tool. Visit www.alignonline.com for more information.

Model Accountability
Leaders must set an example and share Accountability Agreements widely. Also, references should be made to Accountability Agreements in reports and presentations.

Synchronize the Process
Link accountability to related processes such as goal setting and performance management. Use accountability to prevent duplication of effort.

Ensure Business Results
Accountability is not about shifting blame; it embraces a process of mutual support and learning to ensure that goals are achieved. Accountability Agreements can be modified according to past lessons and to better adhere to new circumstances.

----

The Accountable Workplace
The alignment process legitimizes raising difficult conversations, creates a positive context for resolving disagreements, and builds an environment of mutual support. Improving an organization can be a gamble, yet successful organizational effectiveness initiatives have proven to be invaluable relative to the time invested. The Accountability/Alignment process can revitalize a workplace, focus attention on shared goals, and sustain a new way of working across an organization.

------

Shaun Murphy, Ph.D. and Bruce Klatt, M.A. are senior partners in Murphy Klatt Consulting and authors of Aligned Like a Laser (2004) and Accountability: Getting a Grip on Results (1997). They are internationally recognized experts in the field of Organizational Effectiveness whose books have sold over 100,000 copies internationally. For more information please go to http://www.murphyklatt.com or try their online Accountability Alignment tool at http://www.alignonline.com.

---

When Do I Need To Hire A Business Plan Consultant

Every new business owner knows that a business plan is... Read More

Three Steps to Give Your Strategic Plan Traction

We all agree Strategic Planning is a critical part of... Read More

Your Business: Will It Have A Happy Ending?

"Begin with the end in mind," says Stephen Covey in... Read More

The Top 10 Priorities That Guard Your Five-Star Reputation

Making money doesn't make your reputation... your reputation makes you... Read More

What is Your MSP?

For many consumers and producers, MSP is an acronym for... Read More

2 Simple Steps Before Starting Your Business

There is so much small business information available today that... Read More

In Business Planning, Competition is Good

When developing the competition section of your business plan, companies... Read More

Abstract Thought; Business Strategies and Biological Systems

To stop a computer virus you must understand how it... Read More

Business Plan: Planning the Operations

Writing a business plan is no easy task, sure you... Read More

Top 10 Tips to Create A Business Plan! (For People Who Hate Business Plans)

One of the key challenges for any business is to... Read More

Who is Responsible?

While writing an article recently on effective ways to bridge... Read More

Water Conservation and Water Issues for Mobile Car Washers and Auto Detailers

Obviously, there will never be an actual water shortage since... Read More

Changing Strategy Without Losing Your Customers - Three Vital Steps to Refining Your Strategy

American Eagle Outfitters and Wet Seal Stores have issued statements... Read More

How To Prepare A Business Plan That Guarantees Big Profits

It is always said "If you Fail to Plan, you... Read More

The Top Ten Rules of Effective Networking

Many of us are discouraged by the networking events that... Read More

Consolidation in the Software Industry is Hardly New: Obsess About It or Risk Losing it All

Some analysts credit [Larry] Ellison with anticipating the consolidation in... Read More

Resilience

I. INTRODUCTIONThe term resilience, which is of frequent use in... Read More

Building a Better Brick-and-Mortar with the Billion-Dollar Web

More than $117 billion passed hands from Internet shoppers to... Read More

Insurance Requirements in Franchised Companies

Franchised companies often require what some believe to be excessive... Read More

Communication Strategy During A Time Of Strategic Planning

"Rubbish!" shouted the large, aggressive man in the red-striped shirt... Read More

6 Steps To Laying Out Your Competitive Strategy

Why do so many companies languish and watch as their... Read More

Could You Be Setting Your Business Plan Up For Failure?

David E. Gumpert, author of Burn Your Business Plan, often... Read More

Shortening Product Life Cycle!

The current state of the available technology at the disposal... Read More

To Go or No Go, That Is The Question

Last week we talked about a few of the ways... Read More

Questions to Ask Yourself When Starting a New Home Business

I love the excitement of starting up a new home... Read More

Going Self-Employed ? A Few Handy Hints

The day you decide to take the plunge and work... Read More

Site Selection and Demographic Tips for Establishing Outlets

Many cities have home pages on the Internet. Many of... Read More

Making a Decision to Outsource: Strategic Constraints

Many companies are reluctant to dive into outsourcing ocean because... Read More

Executive Summary for Business Plans of Franchisees

Writing a business plan for a franchised outlet of a... Read More

Documenting the Exit Strategy in Your Business Plan

All investors greatly desire and are motivated by a clear... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains Implementation: Healthcare/Hospital example ? overview for consultant

Microsoft Great Plains fits multiple services market niche and healthcare... Read More

Parking Business, the Details on Increasing Lot Revenue

If you are in the parking business and own or... Read More

Business Plan 101 How to Write a Table of Contents

No matter what business you plan to start in your... Read More