Season 9 Episode 12: Positive Accountability

Season 9 Episode 12: Positive Accountability

Introduction:

In the world of leadership and team dynamics, the word “accountability” often carries a negative weight. It’s frequently associated with reprimands, missed deadlines, and the dreaded “accountability police.” But what if we could reframe this crucial concept? On Season 9, Episode 12 of The Thermostat Podcast, Jason V. Barger challenges us to shift our perspective and embrace the power of positive accountability. This isn’t about ignoring shortcomings; it’s about recognizing and celebrating the consistent, positive actions that build strong teams and thriving cultures. This approach fosters an environment where individuals are motivated to uphold their commitments, not out of fear, but from a genuine desire to contribute.

Reframing Accountability:

The traditional view of accountability often focuses on what wasn’t done. This creates a culture of fear and negativity, where team members are more concerned with avoiding blame than achieving excellence. Jason V. Barger argues that this narrow view misses a critical aspect of accountability: acknowledging and appreciating the things that are done well.

True accountability, according to Webster’s Dictionary, means “an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.”  This encompasses both the positive and the negative. It’s about owning our actions, whether they fall short of expectations or exceed them.  

The Power of Positive Reinforcement:

When we focus solely on negative accountability, we erode trust and diminish the value individuals place on their contributions. The research of the Gottman Institute highlights the importance of a 5:1 ratio – five positive interactions for every negative one – in healthy relationships and cultures. This principle applies directly to the workplace. By consistently recognizing and appreciating positive actions, we create a foundation of trust and mutual respect. This earns us the right to have those more challenging conversations when necessary, framing them as opportunities for growth rather than punishment.

Positive accountability is making sure to celebrate the small wins, and appreciate those within your team and organization. It’s taking time to notice that someone showed up and was prepared. Or celebrating someone helping a coworker.

The Battery Analogy:

A helpful analogy shared in the podcast is that of a battery. A battery has both positive and negative terminals, and both are necessary for it to function. The power comes when electrons are pulled from the negative side to the positive. Similarly, in our teams and organizations, challenges and setbacks (the negative) will always exist. The key is to use those moments as opportunities to learn, grow, and move towards a positive outcome. It’s about asking, “What can we do better next time?” and taking ownership of the solution.

Notable Quotes:

• “Accountability is not a negative term. In fact, it’s a very positive one.”

• “An ownership mindset within a team or culture means I’m accountable for me and you are accountable for you and we are accountable for us.”

• “Every single day we are often more accountable to each other than we are less accountable to each other.”

• “The power comes when we’re able to pull the energy from negative to positive… what are we going to do about it?”

• “Healthy and positive cultures have a 5 to 1 ratio… they point out… the positive good things people are doing.”

Summary:

This episode of The Thermostat Podcast underscores the vital need to redefine accountability in the workplace. By shifting our focus to include and emphasize positive accountability, we can cultivate a culture of appreciation, trust, and shared responsibility. It’s about recognizing that every action, big or small, contributes to the overall success of the team and the organization. This approach not only improves morale and engagement but also creates a more resilient and adaptable workforce, ready to face challenges and achieve common goals. It reinforces a solution minded and growth mindset environment.

Questions to Ponder:

1. How can you and your team intentionally recognize and celebrate instances of positive accountability?
2. What specific actions can you take to foster a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative interactions within your team?
3. How can you reframe a recent challenge or setback as an opportunity for growth and positive accountability?
4. How can your team and organization be more intentional in the language used?

By embracing positive accountability, we can transform our workplaces into environments where individuals feel valued, motivated, and empowered to contribute their best. This is the foundation of a thriving culture and lasting success, and enhances strong leadership.

Links and References

For more insights and practical tips, be sure to check out Jason V Barger’s book Breathing Oxygen. This book dives deeper into the concepts discussed in this episode and provides additional strategies for fostering a positive mindset and effective leadership.

Visit ThermostatCulturesLive.com referenced in this episode

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By incorporating these practices into your summer routine, you can breathe new life into your personal and professional endeavors. Remember, as Jason says, “The best leaders, teams, and cultures on the planet stimulate progress by recalibrating their thermostat together.”

Our next episode will feature Step Back from the Baggage Claim (the origin story). Stay Tuned!