What is meant by being accountable in a team

Being accountable for a goal means making sure it gets done and taking ownership of reaching the outcome. It means others can trust you to do what you said you would do. If things go well, you recognise your success. If there are problems, you look for ways to fix them or alternative routes to achieve the goal.

This is different to responsibility (Step 4) because being responsible means you have a task to complete. Instead, accountability means that you make sure you achieve the goal, which might require having others support with tasks or if you need to adapt your plans in order to achieve that goal.  

Accountability is about making sure things are achieved, not just doing your part.

Why and when it is important to be accountable for goals in a team

Being accountable is important because:

• It builds trust: Others know they can count on you.
• It keeps the team on track: If everyone is accountable, the team can reach its goals more smoothly.
• It helps solve problems: When something goes wrong, accountable people look for solutions instead of blaming others.
• It shows commitment: When you have accountability, it shows you care about the team’s success.

It is particularly important to have accountability in a team:

• When others are relying on your work: If your part is not done, the team might struggle.
• When goals are shared: If one person does not follow through, it affects everyone.
• When problems arise: Taking accountability means fixing mistakes instead of making excuses.

However, there are times when it is not appropriate to be accountable for a goal. For example, if the goal is unclear, beyond your ability to deliver, or if you think the goal itself is inappropriate.

How to be accountable for your goals in a team

Here are some ways to improve accountability:

• Be clear on what success looks like: Ask questions if you are unsure about your goal and about how success will be measured. This might include understanding if there are target numbers to reach, for example. 
• Set deadlines and reminders: Keeping track of time helps you stay on schedule. There are lots of ideas and approaches here under the Planning skill.
• Be honest about progress: If you are struggling, let others know early so they can help.
• Own up to mistakes: If something goes wrong, be responsible and find ways to fix it.
• Support others: If a teammate is struggling, offer help. A team works best when everyone is accountable.
• Keep learning: Reflect on what went well and what could be improved for next time.

Being accountable helps a team succeed. It means being reliable, learning from mistakes, and staying focused on the goal even if you have to change the route to get there.