In our 8th community call we followed up on self-organisation topics we talked about a few weeks earlier.
Key success factors for job-sharing are:
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Transparency
- Commitment
- Accountability (both shared and individual)
Our audience underlined the importance of community and that TOGETHER we are stronger. We are not sharing the exact same skills and tasks, but that is good! Employees should be enabled in specialization in a few results areas so that the team based on complementary skills will achieve better outcome.
Everyone Is Accountable for Team Outcomes
Accountability is one of the main challenges of working on a team.
It’s human nature to focus on our own area of accountability and to place our own best interest above what’s best for the team. We know what the team needs to produce for a successful outcome, but we shouldn’t be only accountable for our own deliverables.
Everyone is accountable for team outcomes, regardless of how much each member contributes.
To build high-performing teams, you need to value team accountability over individual accountability. In other words, the team outcome is more important than individual team member outcomes.
Three Guidelines for Sharing Team Accountability
There is a way for teams to create a culture of shared accountability proactively. The first step is to accept that everyone shares team accountability. It’s up to leaders to provide an environment where team outcomes trump individual outcomes. Then, communicate, cooperate, and collaborate with your team members and your team leader.
1. Communicate the Status of Your Deliverables to Your Team
Keep your team informed to avoid surprises and ensure a positive outcome.
- Let your team know if you can’t complete a deliverable.
- Let them know if you finish early and have time to help out elsewhere.
- Speak up early if you have concerns about team skills and/or available resources.
2. Cooperate with Your Team Members
Not every team member has to be your best friend, or even a friend for that matter. But you do need to maintain a professional relationship to work together. It’s easier to achieve team outcomes when you keep it all about the work.
3. Collaborate on All Planning and Team Decisions
Sharing plans, changes, challenges and solutions is always worthwhile. Since everyone has a say, everyone is more committed to the plan or a solution. It’s the team leader’s job to establish a collaborative environment from the start. It’s the team member’s responsibility to foster and maintain it.
When team members communicate, cooperate and collaborate, shared team accountability is achievable.