The Power of Demonstrating Personal Accountability at Work: Real-life Examples

The Power of Demonstrating Personal Accountability at Work: Real-life Examples

Accountability is a foundational trait that makes any workplace efficient and effective. However, despite its importance, many individuals struggle to take responsibility for their actions. Personal accountability refers to the ability to take ownership of one’s actions, decisions or results, and the impact they have on others.

In the workplace, demonstrating personal accountability goes a long way in fostering trust, respect, and professionalism. Here are some real-life instances that demonstrate the power of personal accountability:

1. Acknowledge your mistakes

In 2016, Samsung launched its flagship device Galaxy Note 7. However, within a month, complaints regarding exploding batteries from customers started flooding in. Samsung quickly issued a recall and replaced the faulty batteries. Later it was discovered that the issue was deeper, and it turned out that the batteries were improperly designed, which resulted in a massive recall and a hit to Samsung’s reputation.

Samsung’s CEO issued a public apology, stating his accountability and acknowledged the mistake. The company took full responsibility for the issue and swallowed the bitter pill. The fast and transparent response has helped Samsung regain its customers’ trust and reaffirm its reputation.

2. Respect deadlines

Former CEO of Ford, Alan Mulally is a great example of how personal accountability can have a positive impact. In 2008, Mulally faced a challenging situation when Ford’s sales took a hit during the global financial crisis.

Mulally held the first-ever meeting of top executives on the first day of his new job. At the meeting, he required every executive to indicate that they would present a spreadsheet showing all the major issues at their respective units, including an action plan to address any problems. Throughout the crisis, Mulally kept the team responsible for meeting deadlines, and ultimately, Ford was one of the few automakers in the US not to require a government bailout.

3. Practice transparency

Personal accountability demands transparency, which helps propagate trust and fosters good corporate culture. An example of this is the online retailer Zappos. Its CEO, Tony Hsieh, emphasized its commitment to transparent communication by banning closed office doors and walls, which encourages transparency. He believed that a transparent company culture is significant in building trust and positive leadership.

4. Take ownership of the outcome

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the United States, causing massive destruction and loss of life. FEMA’s response to the event was initially met with widespread criticism, reflected in national news headlines. However, after taking full ownership of the situation, FEMA’s then-director, Michael Brown, apologized in the media. As a sign of accountability, he resigned soon after.

Conclusion

Demonstrating personal accountability can have a significant impact on the workplace, from improving communication to building trust and respect. Acknowledging mistakes and accepting responsibility for the outcome can lead to growth and progress. Respect for deadlines and practicing transparency can help inculcate a culture of responsibility that can benefit the organization in the long run. Personal accountability allows leaders to cultivate good corporate culture, improve the performance of the team, and ultimately lead to success.