A culture of accountability built on a system of alignment results in personal and company success. Alignment reaches further than simple employee engagement. It integrates communication and harmony into every aspect of the company. But what does it mean to create an environment of accountability instead of effort?
By creating a common connection between trainers and employees, dedicating hard work to the right ideas, and developing nascent concepts into leadership skills, personal and joint accountability emerge. When learning and development professionals set a precedent for building sustainable practices, the outcome is better teamwork and responsibility.
Be More Than a Relayer
It’s standard for trainers to be merely “relayers” of information without delving into why specific procedures and strategies are essential. When told only what to do, employees feel little connection to the call for personal accountability or success. They only follow and therefore continue the status quo—which rarely leads to innovation.
By contrast, when management is aligned to the mission and its core tenets, the rest of the organization will be, as well. When employees connect to a common purpose, they then feel compelled to meet objectives and contribute their part to the path forward.
It’s a Team Effort
America’s first moon landing is a prime example of the power of alignment. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy was visiting NASA headquarters after challenging them to put a man on the moon. While touring the facility, he introduced himself to a man in the hallway and asked what he did there. The man explained that he was a janitor. Then, he stated, “I’m helping put a man on the moon!” The janitor recognized that by doing his job well, he was contributing to the overall mission.
The extraordinary task of putting a man on the moon inspired and motivated the janitor, leading him to do his part in fulfilling NASA’s mission and vision wholeheartedly. Creating common ground between an organization’s purpose, leadership, and employees leads to accountability and better performance.
A Road to Success
However, to ensure that you get the most out of organizational practices, hard work must go toward the right ideas. Hours are frequently spent on tasks that empower neither trainers nor employees. What does it mean to produce both great ideas and great results? It starts with developing concepts in their early stages and strategically building leadership that promises alignment and success. Recognizing brilliant ideas as they arrive and identifying roadblocks—and determining how to overcome to them and learn from them—is a crucial part of communicating effectively.
When organizational alignment goes beyond employee engagement and effort, it results in a higher level of performance. Exceptional work is no longer just that; it’s also fulfilling and galvanizing. A work environment that holds itself accountable creates happier and healthier trainers and employees. Setting such an example isn’t easy, but it’s immensely worthwhile.
Art Johnson is CEO of Infinity Systems, Inc., a management consulting firm where he helps leaders identify and rectify organizational misalignment. His new book is The Art of Alignment: A Data-Driven Approach to Lead Aligned Organizations (made for Success Publishing, February 23, 2021). Learn more at orgametrics.net/theartofalignment.