Summary:  What would it mean to you, your business, your people and clients if your employees took responsibility and accountability for their actions on a daily basis? Your first step to get you there.

Are you letting them be accountable and responsible for their work and actions?I’m sure your first reaction is “of course” and you probably are most of the time. The hard part is to do it all of the time. So what does that mean?

Think about what it mean if your people took responsibility not only for their actions but for their decisions and the outcome. They determined the best course of action on a daily basis. It could be in dealing with their co-workers, clients, suppliers or you. What would that mean to you and your company?

Do the words freedom, engaged, happy and collaboration come to mind? They should, as this is what will be experienced.

To do this will require self restraint on your part, yes the opposite trait of what has gotten you to this point. What I mean is you will need to let your people come up with own solutions. Next you will need patience, to let them try and work it through. As you see it will not be an easy road in the short-term. The pay-off is in the long run.

A quick way to get this going is when they come to you with a situation – don’t give them an answer. Ask them to come up with some solutions or actions to be taken. That may mean they will have to go away and think about it. That’s ok. When they return, talk through their ideas without interjecting your option. Yes, this is difficult. You will need to give them the time and space to reach a proper resolution.

Remember patience and self-restraint are key.

Share below your experiences and the results you have seen.