A desire for greater accountability is something you hear in every relationship, team and organization on the planet. The problem is, we need to redefine our relationship with the word accountability to remember its true meaning.
SHOW NOTES
Jason introduces Season 8 episode 33 of the podcast, Redefining Accountability. Welcome back to the podcast on corporate culture and leadership and thank you for listening. We engage thought leaders like CEOs, CFOs, managers, VPs, directors, and more for this podcast. We wish to create content that engages your mind and heart and allows you to step back and think and add some positivity to your life. We deep dive into today’s topic.
We can’t control everything but what we can control is our response. Still a lot of work to do but wanted to remind the audience what is within our control is the temperature we create in the organizations and teams we work with.
Please leave a review for the podcast It really helps the podcast to spread these messages out into the world. Please share this podcast with your organization, on your team, or in your life to help spread these messages. Thank you!
If any of these topics are interesting to you please or you want a deep dive on any specific topics, please reach out to us at info@jasonvbarger.com
Season 8 Episode 33: Redefining Accountability
Shifting the Narrative on Accountability in Corporate Culture and Leadership
The word “accountability” echoes through the halls of every organization. It’s a concept we constantly grapple with, often associating it with blame, punishment, and the dreaded “accountability police.” In this episode of The Thermostat Podcast, Jason V. Barger challenges this negative perception, inviting us to redefine accountability and embrace its true power in fostering positive corporate culture and effective leadership.
Accountability: Beyond the Slap on the Wrist
Barger argues that the conventional understanding of accountability as solely focusing on shortcomings and missed targets has hijacked its true meaning. Instead, he proposes a broader definition: accountability is simply taking responsibility. It encompasses both our successes and our failures, our actions and our inactions.
Cultivating a Culture of Positive Accountability
The podcast emphasizes the need to recognize and celebrate the myriad ways we demonstrate accountability every day. From showing up on time to acknowledging a colleague’s contribution, these seemingly small acts uphold our commitments and contribute to a healthy culture. Barger urges us to actively acknowledge these positive instances of accountability, fostering a sense of self-worth, trust, and collective responsibility.
Ownership: The Cornerstone of Accountability
An ownership mindset lies at the heart of true accountability. It means taking responsibility for oneself, one’s actions, and one’s role within the team or organization. Barger highlights that everyone, from the CEO to the newest intern, plays a vital role in shaping the culture and achieving the mission. Embracing an ownership mindset empowers individuals to actively contribute to the collective success.
Reframing the Conversation: From Negative to Positive
Barger challenges leaders and teams to reframe the conversation around accountability. Instead of solely focusing on shortcomings, he advocates for acknowledging and celebrating the positive aspects of accountability. This shift in perspective can lead to increased trust, improved morale, and a more engaged workforce.
Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Positive Accountability
Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in cultivating positive accountability. It involves recognizing and understanding emotions in ourselves and others, enabling us to have courageous conversations when needed while also celebrating successes and fostering a supportive environment.
Notable Quotes:
- “Accountability is not a negative term, but in fact, a very positive one.“
- “Positive accountability is one of the strongest forces on the planet.“
- “We are all ambassadors for the culture we want to create in our life and work.“
- “The future of leadership is you, is me, is us.“
Questions to Ponder:
- How can you and your team reframe the concept of accountability in a more positive light?
- In what ways can you actively acknowledge and celebrate positive accountability within your organization?
- What opportunities exist to foster a greater sense of ownership and collective responsibility among your team members?
By redefining accountability and embracing its positive potential, we can create a workplace culture where individuals feel valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute their best. As Barger reminds us, “We have an opportunity to get clear on the temperature that we hope to set and then to be courageous and committed, accountable and responsible to positively breathe oxygen into the mindsets and actions that will sustain us for the path ahead.“
Links and References
11.8.24 Hybrid Event www.ThermostatCulturesLive.com and https://jasonvbarger.com/thermostat-cultures-live/ and for Sponsorship Packages / opportunities or bulk tickets, please email Info@JasonVBarger.com
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.
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.”
The Upcoming episode will feature Navigating the Generation Gap within Company Cultures Stay Tuned!
Please leave a review for the podcast It really helps the podcast to spread these messages out into the world. Please share this podcast with your organization, on your team, or in your life to help spread these messages. Thank you!
If any of these topics are interesting to you please or you want a deep dive on any specific topics, please reach out to us at info@jasonvbarger.com
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Remember, the best leaders, teams, & cultures stimulate progress by recalibrating their thermostat together.
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ABOUT THE THERMOSTAT
Conversations and micro-thoughts to engage your mind and heart.
A thermostat is proactive. It sets the temperature in a room. Controls the temperature. Regulates the temperature. But in today’s distracted, fast-paced and digital world, it’s easy for individuals and organizations to act more like thermometers, slipping into reactionary thinking, becoming scattered and inconsistent. The most compelling leaders, teams, organizations, families, or collection of humans of any kind operate in thermostat mode. They calibrate their mind and heart to set the temperature for the vision and culture they want to create. Jason Barger, globally celebrated author, keynote speaker, and founder of Step Back Leadership Consulting, is the host of The Thermostat, a podcast journey to discover authentic leadership, create compelling cultures and find clarity of mission, vision, and values.