5 Real-life Examples of Individual Accountability in the Workplace

Individual accountability in the workplace is crucial for the success of any organization. It involves taking ownership of one’s actions and decisions and being responsible for the consequences that follow. In this article, we will discuss five real-life examples of individual accountability in the workplace.

1. Admitting Mistakes and Taking Responsibility

In 2010, a BP oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, causing one of the worst environmental disasters in history. BP’s CEO at the time, Tony Hayward, faced a lot of criticism for his handling of the crisis. However, when he appeared before the US Congress, he accepted responsibility for what happened and admitted that BP had made mistakes. This act of accountability helped him regain some trust and credibility with the public.

2. Honesty in Reporting

In 2005, an internal investigation at Morgan Stanley revealed that a trader named Matthew Tannin had misled investors about the company’s subprime mortgage assets. Instead of denying the allegations or trying to pass the blame, Tannin owned up to his mistakes and accepted the consequences. This helped him avoid a longer prison sentence and showed that he had integrity and accountability.

3. Meeting Deadlines and Deliverables

In 2017, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted that he could help South Australia solve its energy problems by building the world’s largest battery in just 100 days. Most people were skeptical about the claim, but Musk delivered on his promise, and the battery was up and running in less than 100 days. This not only helped the state, but it also showed that Musk was accountable and capable of meeting deadlines and deliverables.

4. Taking Responsibility for Employee Development

In 2018, Starbucks closed over 8,000 of its stores in the US for racial bias training following the arrest of two black men at one of its Philadelphia locations. The incident sparked outrage and protests, but Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson took responsibility for the incident and made a commitment to invest in employee development and training to ensure it would not happen again.

5. Accountability in Decision-Making

In 2004, the CEO of Ford, Bill Ford, made the decision to replace the company’s profits with investments in green technology. This decision was widely criticized at the time, but Bill Ford stood by it, even when the company suffered from declining profits. In the long run, this decision paid off, and Ford is now seen as a leader in sustainable transportation.

Conclusion:

Individual accountability is a critical aspect of the workplace, and these real-life examples show how it can make or break a company. Admitting mistakes, meeting deadlines, taking responsibility for employee development, and being accountable in decision-making are just a few ways individuals can show their accountability in the workplace. By practicing accountability, both individuals and companies can build trust, credibility, and ultimately succeed in the long run.