Building a Culture of Clear Agreements, Powerful Results and Continuous Growth



What’s your reaction to the word “accountability”? All too often, it is synonymous with fault-finding and blame. But at its core, accountability is about making clear agreements, tracking progress, producing results, and learning and getting better along the way - a tool for continuous improvement, not a weapon for blame.

The session runs the full arc - setting clear agreements, checking in along the way, and learning from every outcome, success or setback.

It’s not an accident that these two polar opposites exist in tandem. We’re both overwhelmed with information and distractions, and at the same time, blocked by invisible barriers that keep teams apart!

The key is to be intentional about what style of engagement is right for each particular effort.

THE POSITIVE ACCOUNTABILITY CYCLE

1. Define a SMART Agreement - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely - so everyone agrees up front on what success looks like.

2. Implement - intentions become results, with the support and resources to deliver.

3. Check In - agreed-upon check-ins that are support, not surveillance - starting with Go First.

4. Review - an open, timely look at what worked, what didn’t, and what we can learn.

5. Learn & Grow - every outcome becomes a stronger agreement for the next round.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS DO

• Draft a SMART Agreement for a real task or project they are working on now.
• Use The Accountability Pathway (Jolie Bains-Pillsbury) to recognize unaccountable responses - in themselves and others - and shift the conversation toward ownership.
• Plan a real Check In conversation, opening with Go First.
• Leave with their two most important next steps.

The aim: your team leaves with a shared language and a simple cycle they can keep using on their own - in the next assignment, the next check-in, the next review.

Training Kit:

• 2-hour interactive session - virtual or in person.
• Versions for employees (asking for, supporting, and encouraging accountability from their role) and for supervisors and managers.
• Participant workbook with the tools, templates, and resources from the session.
• Pairs well with Results Driven: Contributing to the Mission and Building Motivation.
  

I can highly recommend this as a very interactive, thought-provoking, and applicable activity that everyone can take back and immediately put into practice with their teams, customers, and partners!