To increase the odds of a superior result, some leaders attempt to stack the deck in their favor by holding multiple people accountable to the same outcome. This sounds like a good idea. Having several people focused on the same prize means someone will likely accomplish the goal, right? Not exactly.
Very good observations. I found the RACI concept helpful in this context. With RACI you can clearly address and explain who is responsible for what. The acronyms mean:
R = Responsible (for doing something) This can be more than one person; these people actually do the job.
A = Accountable (for the overall thing). This can be only one - and there must be always one person finally accountable.
C = Consulted (about something). That can be many people (asked for their opinion and advice)
I = Informed (about something). Again many people, who just need to be informed.
I’ve been reading this newsletter long enough to know that you aren’t a fan of command and control leadership. But this one sounds a bit like you’re hanging on to this feature of it.
There is a difference between responsibility and accountability. Responsibility is about actions and processes. Multiple people can be responsible. Accountability is about outcomes. When multiple people are accountable outcomes suffer. Multiple people being accountable is similar to decisions by committee.
Command and control leadership is about dictating process and demanding outcomes. Holding a leader accountable is simply about whether they agree and are committed to the results. They may have full autonomy to deliver or not. If not, command and control is likely the style. The point is, there is nothing about holding an individual accountable that requires that leadership style.
I don't feel this lack of accountability during most group projects -- but I definitely have experienced it when leadership is assigned to multiple people.
Maybe that is because leadership and responsibility is already assumed to be (or will be) worked out in assigning a group project?
Very good observations. I found the RACI concept helpful in this context. With RACI you can clearly address and explain who is responsible for what. The acronyms mean:
R = Responsible (for doing something) This can be more than one person; these people actually do the job.
A = Accountable (for the overall thing). This can be only one - and there must be always one person finally accountable.
C = Consulted (about something). That can be many people (asked for their opinion and advice)
I = Informed (about something). Again many people, who just need to be informed.
Important distinction there between 'responsible' and 'accountable' Peter.
I’ve been reading this newsletter long enough to know that you aren’t a fan of command and control leadership. But this one sounds a bit like you’re hanging on to this feature of it.
There is a difference between responsibility and accountability. Responsibility is about actions and processes. Multiple people can be responsible. Accountability is about outcomes. When multiple people are accountable outcomes suffer. Multiple people being accountable is similar to decisions by committee.
Command and control leadership is about dictating process and demanding outcomes. Holding a leader accountable is simply about whether they agree and are committed to the results. They may have full autonomy to deliver or not. If not, command and control is likely the style. The point is, there is nothing about holding an individual accountable that requires that leadership style.
You're question came up in our live discussion of this one, Jennifer...
https://twitter.com/AdmiredLeaders/status/1665721055976071169
We take 15 minutes each day to discuss the morning’s Field Notes. Here is today’s discussion— https://twitter.com/AdmiredLeaders/status/1665721055976071169
I don't feel this lack of accountability during most group projects -- but I definitely have experienced it when leadership is assigned to multiple people.
Maybe that is because leadership and responsibility is already assumed to be (or will be) worked out in assigning a group project?