How can a staffing firm help in the accountability process?
Staffing firms give companies the opportunity to try someone for a period of time, usually 90 to 120 days, before directly hiring that individual. Everyone is on their best behavior the first few weeks of any job. What happens after the first month or two? Partnering with a staffing firm that uses prescreening tools and knows your corporate culture, along with the trial period of employment, is a great way to ensure there are no surprises and every hire will be an asset to your company.
How would you handle an employee who is not accountable?
The first step is to establish why. Do they need additional training, is there a short-term personal issue affecting their job, or do they need to improve their time-management skills? Once you have ruled out scenarios like these and it is clear their lack of accountability is by choice, you must address the problem quickly and directly. Discuss clear deadlines and performance metrics with the employee and, most importantly, establish consequences upfront for nonperformance.
How can you improve accountability at your company?
Putting a system in place to build accountability is easy, but takes commitment.
- Set agendas for all meetings. This will keep everyone on task and save time.
- Do not give excuses to or accept them from anyone.
- Give a specific date and time for completion of all work.
- Have the assignment repeated back to you when you delegate work. This will improve communication and understanding of the assignment.
- Provide continuous training for all employees.
How do you model accountability?
Good leaders do what they say they’re going to do, when they say they’re going to do it. When they set the stage, all others will follow suit. Make sure the people at the top are leading by example.
Go back to all the things you learned in preschool. Be on time, listen to and respect others, come prepared to all meetings, follow through on your promises, and play nice in the sandbox. How many times have you read e-mails when one of your employees is trying to talk with you? What does that say to them? By always being mindful of those around you, you can set a great example of accountability and leadership.
Melissa Hulsey is president and CEO of Ashton. Reach her at (770) 419-1776 or [email protected].
