Inspiration vs. Accountability

  Communications Management   Leadership   Strategy   ProjectsAtWork  

Inspiration and accountability aren't mutually exclusive. Inspiration is your destination and accountability your road map. So good leaders don’t choose between the two. In fact, the ability to translate vision into daily measurable behaviors is what determines whether an organization will be exceptional or ho-hum.

Organizations tell their people, "Be the best. Delight customers. Put a dent in the universe." It sounds inspiring at the annual meeting. But what does it really mean on a day-to-day basis?

Nike says their mission is to Bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. What does it mean for the guy packing boxes in the warehouse? IKEA proclaims, Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. How does that translate to the behavior of an hourly worker taking customer service calls in a windowless cube?

A leader's ability to translate aspirational vision into daily measurable behaviors is what determines whether an organization will be exceptional or merely ho hum.

Nike and IKEA notwithstanding, in most organizations when the rubber meets the road in daily operations, lofty inspiration often gets replaced with a mandate to "hold people accountable." 

Accountability is a funny thing. Everyone wants their coworkers to be held accountable. But if your boss tells you that he or…

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