Horses thrive when they know what their job is. Echo is a capable and confident ex-show horse who loves to succeed. He is exponentially happier when I give him a specific goal versus just riding aimlessly around the arena. Once he knows what the goal is, he loves the challenge and strives to achieve success for us both. My role then is to offer guidance and stay out of his way as he does his thing. When we are successful, he basks in the glow of appreciation and achievement. At these times accountability is not just taken--it’s embraced.
Accountable teams have four key traits: desire to succeed, a clear job to do, confidence, and competence. They have goodwill, teamwork, focus, and celebrations of success. Their leaders provide coaching and guidance, and then get out of the way.
Does your team have the desire to succeed? Are their jobs clear, and do they have the confidence and competence to achieve their goals? Do you provide coaching and guidance as needed? If so, get out of the way and let them perform!
