In any working environment, it’s believed that fostering a culture of accountability among employees plays a big role when it comes to improving productivity. Accountability in the workplace simply means that employees are responsible for their actions, behaviours, performance, and decisions. Studies link accountability to an increase in commitment to work and employee morale, which leads to higher performance. Berly Awiti, an entrepreneur and educator at Mother Mary International School observes that in many working places, it’s evident that accountability is lacking. She says that what one should understand is that accountability doesn’t only apply in the workplace but even in other areas, adding that one has to own what they say or are supposed to do without fail. “When you are accountable in anything you decide to do, this shows how committed you are. And in the end, it’s easier for such people to accomplish their dreams and goals in life,” she says. Awiti adds that in a working environment, if all members of a certain team demonstrate this skill, it helps to build trust among each other, thus improving the overall performance of the employees. How can this be achieved? Jacques Habinshuti, who owns an organic pesticide company in western province, says from his knowledge and experience, leading by example is one of the best ways to be accountable in anything you do. As a manager, he says he always tries to lead by example, something that has worked out as the rest of his team tries to emulate him when it comes to carrying out different tasks within his company. In addition to this, he says another strategy he uses when it comes to being accountable is always communicating and giving feedback to his team when there is need. “Giving feedback to your team in any organisation is not an easy task. The goal is, work on it slowly and with time, this guarantees good results,” he says. Habinshuti adds that one shouldn’t be concerned with whether the feedback is negative or positive, the best thing is always ensuring you deliver feedback to people you are working with, especially if you hold a senior position. According to him, this shows how accountable one is, and it also makes things easier as far as clear communication is concerned. Backing up Habinshuti’s sentiment is Mathias Nkeeto, an educator at Green Hills Academy, noting that when it comes to feedback, it shouldn’t be something to be postponed or delayed. He says that delaying giving feedback to your team is as worse as not giving it at all, as it only makes matters worse. “To be accountable in everything that you do, one has to work on offering feedback. What I know is that, issues very rarely resolve themselves and just turn into bigger ones when not worked on at the right time, “he observes. On the other hand, Nkeeto says it’s also ideal to always make accountability apart of you. This can be done by keeping track of one’s commitments.
