Accountability? What is that? A lot of us ask ourselves this question often.
To keep it simple, it’s responsibility. Below you will find few ways for you to hold yourself and your team accountable.
Set expectations in the beginning. Not the middle. NOT the end.
When you start off telling your marketing team what you want, it can only work in your advantage. Be clear on what you want and what you don’t want. Agree on a specific set of attainable goals between you and your team.
Speak Openly Throughout Projects About Accountability
We all know that sometimes it can be hard to speak about accountability without coming off as micro-managing. But why? We all have everyday tasks that we need to be held accountable for. When you are speaking with your team, ask them how they keep themselves accountable for what they are doing. It will help you, and help your coworkers. Trust me, I’ve done it!
Use the FACTS AT HAND
The facts! Look at the data in front of your face. If your team is working on a project where you are able to see data, use it to your full advantage. Take a look and see what is happening. Keep the proper people accountable. Here at PCG, we use an application called Podio, and it is great for accountability. Utilizing any type of application or software like that though, you must keep up with it!
Work With Your Team
Yes, this goes back to setting expectations, but sometimes things change. Do not be afraid to speak to your team about changing something or asking people for constructive feedback. Have team meetings and collaborate. You may have some ideas that they never thought of, or vice versa.
Mistakes are OKAY!
Yes that is right–mistakes are okay. They happen. We are all human. We all come across issues and things out of our control. During your meetings with your team, ask them about problems and issues they encountered and talk about how they fixed the mistake. This doesn’t have to be a metaphorical “beat down,” but more of a learning opportunity for people to improve with each other. It also helps when there is a problem and someone has to come to you!
Set S.M.A.R.T Goals
We have all been there. It is 10AM on a Monday morning. You have hundreds of things crossing your mind. Work, home, that movie that you watched on Sunday night. You are rushing around trying to get the next thing done, but you’re accomplishing close to nothing. STOP! Set a S.M.A.R.T goal for what needs to be done next and what is a priority at that time.
S– Specific: Essentially the who, what, where, when, why and how of it.
M– Measurable: How much? How many? How will I know when we are done?
A– Achievable: Your goals need to realistic, especially in the marketing world!
R– Relevant: Make sure that your goal matters to you! Does it match your efforts?
T– Time: Every goal has to have a deadline, and something to work towards. Do yours?
This is for keeping your head on straight in the rapidly evolving digital age we live in each and every day, and keeping yourself accountable for your life and what’s going on in it.
Keeping yourself and your team accountable will make for a better business and better business relationship with your team.
About the Author
Eric is a fun and outgoing individual with a passion for three things: Punk Rock, Pro Wrestling, and Soft Pretzels. He enjoys spending his free time checking out new music, walking the beach, and watching life hacks on YouTube.