The Accountability/Alignment Process: Three Steps to an Accountable Organization > NetSparsh

Home
>
Strategic Planning
>
The Accountability/Alignment Process: Three Steps to an Accountable Organization

The Accountability/Alignment Process: Three Steps to an Accountable Organization

The Accountability/Alignment Process: Three Steps to an Accountable Organization

Generating genuine accountability and functional alignment into your workplace cannot be left to vague ambitions and abstract statements. Well designed processes must be embedded into the heart of an organization to ensure that each employee's goals and expectations are clearly defined and that the resources to bring about specific measurable results are in place.

In our recent book, Aligned Like a Laser, we outline an effective three step process for ensuring managers and employees are mutually accountable and that the entire organization is aligned toward specific goals.

The Accountability/Alignment process has three fundamental steps:

(1) Accountability (2) Alignment (3) and Achievement

These steps shape the essential foundation for the practice of accountability and workplace alignment.

----

Step 1: Accountability

Accountability is articulated through a document called an Accountability Agreement. This document forms a context for success by making each individual's contribution visible within the organization. It is a brief ? 2 to 3 page ? overview of the outcomes that an individual is promising to deliver which also outlines the support and resources that he or she needs from others in order to achieve these results.

Seven Elements of an Accountability Agreement:

(1) Business Focus Statement

(2) Operational Accountabilities

(3) Leadership Accountabilities

(4) Support Requirements

(5) Goals

(6) Sustainment Plan

(7) Positive Consequences

----

Step 2: Alignment

Alignment requires a constructive business dialogue focused on end results. After completing Accountability Agreements, a workgroup negotiates responsibilities and forms an understanding of each member's contribution to the team.

The alignment process involves resolving gaps and overlaps in the team's accountabilities, and it ensures that each member agrees to provide the critical support needed to fulfil the team's purpose.

Alignment clarifies the practice of accountability; it focuses energy and eliminates distractions across the entire organization. It also provides a renewed sense of confidence and interdependence based on a publicly declared promise to deliver business results.

----

Step 3: Achievement

The Accountability/Alignment process brings immediate results, but lasting achievement is gained through maintaining the discipline fostered by the process. There are several ways to ensure that Accountability/Alignment brings long term achievement.

Keep Accountability Agreements Visible
Post progress reports in prominent locations. Provide a forum for people to comment on progress.

Put Accountability Agreements Online
A company's intranet can provide easy access to all Accountability Agreements. Or, use our Align Online tool. Visit www.alignonline.com for more information.

Model Accountability
Leaders must set an example and share Accountability Agreements widely. Also, references should be made to Accountability Agreements in reports and presentations.

Synchronize the Process
Link accountability to related processes such as goal setting and performance management. Use accountability to prevent duplication of effort.

Ensure Business Results
Accountability is not about shifting blame; it embraces a process of mutual support and learning to ensure that goals are achieved. Accountability Agreements can be modified according to past lessons and to better adhere to new circumstances.

----

The Accountable Workplace
The alignment process legitimizes raising difficult conversations, creates a positive context for resolving disagreements, and builds an environment of mutual support. Improving an organization can be a gamble, yet successful organizational effectiveness initiatives have proven to be invaluable relative to the time invested. The Accountability/Alignment process can revitalize a workplace, focus attention on shared goals, and sustain a new way of working across an organization.

------

Shaun Murphy, Ph.D. and Bruce Klatt, M.A. are senior partners in Murphy Klatt Consulting and authors of Aligned Like a Laser (2004) and Accountability: Getting a Grip on Results (1997). They are internationally recognized experts in the field of Organizational Effectiveness whose books have sold over 100,000 copies internationally. For more information please go to http://www.murphyklatt.com or try their online Accountability Alignment tool at http://www.alignonline.com.

In The News:

Twitter Releases Major Events Calendar for April to Assist with Strategic Planning Social Media Today2019 certainly seems to be moving extra fast. This week, Twitter has published its latest monthly events calendar, covering the month of April, and highlighting all ...

Endocrine Society highlights new strategic plan, member outreach HealioNEW ORLEANS — This year's Endocrine Society Annual Meeting reflects a renewed effort to expand the organization's outreach and membership through new ...

Five Reasons Your School District's Strategic Plan Failed ForbesSomewhere in school district offices all across the country, there are beautiful strategic planning documents, carefully bound, sitting on a shelf, gathering dust ...

Issaquah brings the 2019 draft strategic plan to the citizens Issaquah ReporterIssaquah wants its citizens' vision for the city's first strategic plan. For the rest of March, the city will be working to collect feedback from residents on the recently ...

UVI to Launch New Strategic Plan: Greatness Through Innovation St. John SourceThe University of the Virgin Islands will host a series of events to launch its new strategic plan: “Greatness Through Innovation,” from Monday, March 25 through ...

Applying strategic planning to small businesses - News - capecodtimes.com - Hyannis, MA Cape Cod TimesQuestion: Is strategic planning only for large businesses?Answer: One of Winston Churchill's famous quotes is, “He who fails to plan, plans to fail.

4 ways to move from strategic planning to strategic doing Wichita Business JournalFor many leaders, strategic planning is not a meaningful activity. They have seen plans fail and don't see the point in planning (besides checking a box in order ...

Using Strategic Thinking and Strategic Planning to Effectively Execute ATDTwo examples of how organizations have used certain strategic thinking and strategic planning activities to properly execute their strategy.

With seven themes, 2030 strategic planning process moves into next phase CommuniqueMore than 250 faculty, staff and students provided feedback and volunteered to work on one of the seven themes during three town hall sessions March 11 for ...

Planning To Succeed: The Five Ws Of Strategic Planning ForbesWhen I first started participating in strategic planning sessions with other organizations, I wanted to pretend I was the caterer delivering the food or the janitor ...

Innovative approach to strategic planning is leading to success at Ohio State The Ohio State University NewsThe Ohio State University's approach to developing and implementing its five-year strategic plan was highlighted at the February Board of Trustees meeting last ...

Trustees approve extension of University's current strategic plan through 2025 Penn State NewsDuring its meeting Feb. 22, Penn State's Board of Trustees gave its concurrence to a five-year extension of the university's strategic plan. The extension ...

Teacher retention, safety and strategic planning top issues for District 101 candidates Chicago TribuneAttracting and retaining top talent, planning and keeping schools safe are the top priorities for the four candidates running for three seats on the Western Springs ...

ECSU launches 5-year strategic plan The Daily AdvanceFriday, March 22, 2019. Elizabeth City State University has hired a Carnegie, Pennsylvania-based consulting firm to help develop a five-year strategic plan for ...

SocialChorus Launches Content Planner, the Industry's First Strategic Planning Tool to Manage Workforce Communications MarTech SeriescialChorus, a global workforce communications platform, announced the launch of *Content* Planner, the industry's first enterprise-level, strategic planning tool ...

How Robust Feedback from Thousands Will Shape UVA's New Strategic Plan University of VirginiaUniversity of Virginia leaders are going through feedback from every corner of the UVA community as they begin to put together President Jim Ryan's strategic ...

China's Reputation for Long-Range Planning Is Wildly Exaggerated The DiplomatDon't be misled by the erroneous notion that China possesses some uniquely successful capacity for long-range planning.

Engage in Mahtomedi's strategic planning process | Opinion Forest Lake LowdownIn February 2019, our school district began the first stage in our comprehensive strategic planning process. Approximately 25 district and community leaders ...

Woodfin gives update on progress of strategic plan for Birmingham AL.comWith the help of city officials, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin provided an update Thursday on the progress of his 92-point strategic plan to improve the city.

Reconciliation Kenora to hold strategic planning sessions Daily Miner and NewsWhat's the best way to work toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Kenora?Ahze-mino- gahbewewin — Reconciliation ...

Mahtomedi schools announces strategic planning | News White Bear PressMAHTOMEDI — The school district is making a strategic plan this year.

NICE Unveils Enhanced Strategic Planner, Unleashing the Power of AI Based Long-Term Planning Business WireNICE (Nasdaq: NICE) today introduced NICE Enhanced Strategic Planner (ESP), a cutting-edge offering designed to empower contact centers in making inte.

Julia Davidson named VP brand strategic planning and development. at Outrigger Hospitality Group Hospitality NetOutrigger Hospitality Group has named Julia Davidson vice president, brand strategic planning and development. er role encompasses development of ...

Strategic planning workshopped Mountain DemocratThe Marshall Building at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds was buzzing with activity as some 80 people gathered for a workshop Wednesday, March 5, ...

LMC creates survey for strategic planning Herald PalladiumBENTON TOWNSHIP — Lake Michigan College is seeking the community's help in setting its goals for the future.

Strategic planning by the Cuero Development Corporation | DeWitt County Today Cuero RecordBy Patrick J. Kennedy. Executive Director. Cuero Development Corporation. After reviewing five proposals to direct the development of the new Strategic ...

What's Next If Even Our CSOs Think Strategy Is A Mess? ForbesThe results of PwC's 2018 Chief Strategy Office Benchmarking Study are as evident as they are astonishing: even our CSOs find strategy as we know it a mess.

Transit Workforce Development: Improved Strategic Planning Practices Could Enhance FTA Efforts Government Accountability OfficeThe nation's transit agencies are having a hard time finding the qualified workers and managers needed to keep buses, trains, and ferries moving. We examined ...

Strategic plan outlines future steps for the improvement of Oscoda Township Iosco County News HeraldOSCODA – A strategic plan for Oscoda Township was unveiled to the public during a presentation on Feb. 21, held at the Warrior Pavilion of Ken Ratliff ...

Diana Bailey Joins Greenberg Strategy to Extend Strategic Planning Practice PRNewswireSAN FRANCISCO, March 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Diana Bailey, former Group Strategy Director at Hall & Partners, has joined Greenberg Strategy as Vice ...

News | Charting Pratt's Future: An Inside Look at Developing the Next Strategic Plan Pratt NewsThe process to develop Pratt Institute's next Strategic Plan and establish a framework and priorities for the Institute's continued growth and success is underway.

County seeks strategic plan community input | Articles Fairfaxtimes.comWhat will Fairfax County look like in 10 or even 20 years?

Twitter Releases Major Events Calendar for March, New Podcast to Help with Strategic Planning Social Media TodayTo help with strategic planning and event tie-in campaigns, Twitter has released the latest version of its monthly major events calendar, highlighting all the key ...

Delta College Looking Into Future On Strategic Planning WSGWDelta College trustees are taking a closer look at strategic planning for the next three years. College President Jean Goodnow says area residents believe Delta ...

Strategic planning workshop offered in Spanish at College Park Grand Island IndependentA multi-part strategic planning course, which will be offered in Spanish, will start March 19 in Grand Island.

County moves forward with strategic planning | Local News Weatherford DemocratThe Parker County commissioners recently met for a workshop session where economic developer Marty Wieder gave a strategic planning presentation taking a ...

Stuckeman-led interdisciplinary team earns strategic plan seed grant Penn State NewsUNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Lisa Iulo, associate professor of architecture and director of the Hamer Center for Community Design in the Stuckeman School at ...

Editorial: Campus input integral as strategic plan solidifies The IthacanIn light of this shift in the type of feedback the committee is requesting, the campus community should be aware that the strategic plan is hitting a crucial point in ...

Firefighters slam strategic planning process Tbnewswatch.comEric Nordlund says consultant being sought to look for ways to cut services, which he believes means closing a fire station.

Advisory group reveals strategic planning survey results Your Daily Globe.comBy BRYAN HELLIOS [email protected] IRONWOOD - The Bonner Advisory Group met with local businesses and community leaders on Monday at ...

Councillors prepare for strategic planning meetings The ReminderA strategic planning meeting is in the works between officials from Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach.

Core values, future challenges are focus of Kandiyohi County... West Central TribuneWILLMAR — Communication, collaboration, efficiency, vision and leadership emerged as core values at a strategic planning session Thursday for Kandiyohi ...

Commissioners vote to spend $50000 on Strategic Plan implementation Covington NewsThe Newton County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to spend $50000 to implement its recently unveiled Strategic Plan.

Commissioners delve into several topics at planning workshop Hernando SunBy LISA MACNEIL At the regular meeting of February 12, 2019, the Board of County Commissioners decided to hold regular planning meetings to discuss ...

Winona to conduct downtown strategic planning sessions | Neighbors Winona Daily NewsThe city of Winona is conducting downtown strategic planning sessions on Thursday, March 21, in the city council chambers of City Hall, 207 Lafayette St., ...

Terra State slates meetings for public input on strategic plan Fremont News MessengerFREMONT - Terra State Community College plans to hold public planning sessions in March, April and May to get public input on its new strategic plan.

El Dorado County discusses updates to strategic plan Tahoe Daily TribunePLACERVILLE, Calif. — The Marshall Building at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds was buzzing with activity as some 80 people gathered for a recent ...

The strategy of a long distance runner applies to businesses as well gulfnews.comWhether running at the top or in the middle, there are different ways to winning.

2030 Strategic Plan the focus of March 11 Town Hall events CommuniqueChancellor Venkat Reddy will hold three town hall opportunities for faculty and staff to learn about the progress on the 2030 Strategic Planning process March ...

SEDA-COG announces strategic plan with renewed mission NorthcentralPa.comLEWISBURG -- Bolstered by five focus groups with over 60 participants throughout an 11-county region, SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) has a ...

New Nortech CEO focuses on growth in medical device market Star TribuneJay Miller brings extensive executive leadership and medical technology industry experience to his new role as the president and CEO of Nortech Systems Inc., ...

In Eastham, a strategic plan in the making Wicked LocalEastham is on a tear – into the future.After passing new zoning regulations last year, by way of creating the District of Critical Planning Concern along Route 6 ...

Last Hubbard Free Library strategic planning forum slated for Saturday Kennebec Journal & Morning SentinelAttendees will discuss their visions and goals for the cash-strapped, 139-year old library in attempt to find a more successful business model.

BARMM holds strategic planning Manila BulletinCOTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), through its Ministry of Local Government (MLG), held a strategic ...

Format of Ottawa Sport Summit tweaked to offer strategic planning workshop for local sports organizations Ottawa SportspageIt's a question many volunteer-driven local sports groups will immediately identify with: “Do you have time to work on the business when you're working in the ...

MHK claims lack of strategic planning in harbour plans Manx RadioChris Robertshaw calls for DoI to look at more ambitious options.

Fergus Falls City Council meets for strategic planning retreat - The Fergus Falls Daily Journal Fergus Falls Daily JournalYou have read 1 of 10 articles. Log In or Subscribe. On Feb. 13, the Fergus Falls City Council held a retreat at the Country Inn and Suites to discuss strategic ...

Local Football Lacks Clear Strategic Planning – Mhaluri pindula.co.zwFormer Caps United and Warriors coach Charles Mhlauri said that local football is being left behind in how it is administered from the top down to the grassroots ...

Eastham Town News; Strategic planning workshop Wicked Local WestboroughPlanning forumThe Eastham Strategic Planning Committee is developing a plan to identify priorities that will guide town actions over the next five years. A public ...

Letter: Time for county to start strategic planning on annual basis Times Record NewsStacy Kosub: I was disappointed to learn that our commissioners, as a body, have no defined strategic plan for Wichita County in the coming years.

Berea Strategic Plan public input session on March 7 Richmond RegisterHow should the City of Berea plan for the next two, five or 10 years? Berea city officials are hoping to get some public input on those questions at an.

Wichita Falls City Council accepts 2019 strategic planning workshop report KAUZCouncil members approved the 2019 strategic plan during Tuesday's council meeting.

How We Do Strategy as Performance up at Newport War on the RocksThere has been no shortage of recent criticisms directed at professional military education, with some asking the question, “What is it good for?” The.

Waste Heat Recovery System Market Analysis, Major Competitor and Strategies, Regional Outlook 2018 To 2023 Speaking TimesWaste Heat Recovery System market reports provides a comprehensive overview of the global market size and share. Waste Heat Recovery System market data ...

Global Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Cylinders Market Economic Trends, Industry Development, Challenges, Forecast and Strategies To 2024 Micro Finance PostCompressed Natural Gas (CNG) Cylinders Market reports provides a comprehensive overview of the global market size and share. Compressed Natural Gas ...

Global Cyanopyridine Market Opportunities, Challenges, Forecast and Strategies To 2024 Micro Finance PostCyanopyridine Market reports provides a comprehensive overview of the global market size and share. Cyanopyridine market data reports also provide a 5 year ...

Community members gather for second Strategic Plan Forum Rocky Mountain CollegianAnother day, another forum. Colorado State University hosted another Strategic Plan Forum where community members, students, staff and faculty could come.

Long Beach Animal Care Services Sets Meeting About Strategic Plan Gazette NewspapersLong Beach will host a community meeting on Sunday, March 3, to kick off the process of developing a strategic plan for the city's Animal Care Services.

Francis Wade | The hidden secret of leaders who hate long-term planning Jamaica GleanerADVISORY COLUMN: PRODUCTIVITY Why do some executives resist making long-term plans for their business? The hidden secret is a deep fear of failure, but ...

Strategic plan for Nanaimo in the final phase mycoastnow.comThe City of Nanaimo has completed a draft version of its new Strategic Plan. They are looking for input from the community. The plan provides a guide for the ...

City Q-and-A: Red Wing 2040 process leads to new Strategic Plan... Republican EagleKay Kuhlmann is council administrator for the City of Red Wing. You may reach her at 651-385-3612 or [email protected] Q: Can you give an ...

Global UAV Propulsion Systems Market Analysis by Market Leaders, Region, Product & Application Micro Finance PostUAV Propulsion Systems Market reports provides a comprehensive overview of the global market size and share. UAV Propulsion Systems market data reports ...

Melrose Public Library looks to the future with updated Strategic Plan Wicked LocalThe Melrose Public Library continues to craft its five-year plan, most recently with a meeting of the Strategic Plan Committee at the library on Saturday, March 9.

Electrical and Electronic Resins Market in World – Industry Outlook, Market Dynamics and Forecast 2019-2024 Micro Finance PostElectrical and Electronic Resins Market reports provides a comprehensive overview of the global market size and share. Electrical and Electronic Resins market ...

Caribbean Court of Justice Unveils New Five-year Strategic Plan Caribbean360.comPORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Wednesday March 13, 2019 – The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has unveiled its Strategic Plan 2019-2024, under the theme ...

Global Masterbatch Market Opportunities, Challenges, Forecast and Strategies To 2023 Speaking TimesMasterbatch market reports provides a comprehensive overview of the global market size and share. Masterbatch market data reports also provide a 5 year ...

Geneva schools move forward with strategic plan | Local News The Star BeaconGENEVA — The Geneva Area City Schools are one step closer to having a unified vision for their future.

City spending $105K for core service review, strategic plan OrilliaMatters.ComThe city will be spending over $100,000 in the coming months to review the way it delivers core services and to develop a strategic plan aimed at charting ...

Queen Creek council 2-day strategic planning session at Courtyard by Marriott in Mesa Queen Creek IndependentThe Queen Creek Town Council is holding strategic planning discussions March 1-2 open to the public at the Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Mesa Gateway ...

Watching Daenerys Targaryen sell a dragon is bad, but oh, how she takes it back The A.V. ClubWe're counting down to Game Of Thrones' final season by distilling the fantasy epic to 30 essential moments. This is Month Of Thrones.

Global Book Paper Market Report Forecast by Development, Trends, and Forecast (2019 – 2024) Micro Finance PostBook Paper Market reports provides a comprehensive overview of the global market size and share. Book Paper market data reports also provide a 5 year ...

Fonds de solidarité FTQ to Exceed Strategic Planning Objectives with $2.8 Billion Already Invested Canada NewsWireMONTRÉAL, March 15, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Before members of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, Gaétan Morin, President and CEO of ...

People in Business Hot Springs Village VoiceJulie Murray was recently named the new Van Buren Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer. She begins her new role on April 8.

Veteran Delek exec returns to role after two years overseeing strategic planning Brentwood Home PageNashvillePost.com. The leaders of Delek US Holdings have turned to a familiar face to be their CFO. Assi Ginzburg, who led the financial team at ...

Global Ski Gear Market Supply And Demand, Industry Capacity, Forecast and Strategies To 2023 Speaking TimesSki Gear market reports provides a comprehensive overview of the global market size and share. Ski Gear market data reports also provide a 5 year pre-historic ...

Analysis of Functional Water Market Based On Market Size, Key Players, Market Dynamics and Technological Advancement Speaking TimesFunctional Water market reports provides a comprehensive overview of the global market size and share. Functional Water market data reports also provide a 5 ...

Global and Regional Process Oil Market Report with Major Vendor Landscape and Their Strategies Micro Finance PostProcess Oil Market reports provides a comprehensive overview of the global market size and share. Process Oil market data reports also provide a 5 year ...

Clearer visions of the future in the strategic plans of the SOEs EN DELFIsite.title - An evaluation carried out by the Governance Coordination Centre, an institution promoting the good governance practices in Lithuanian state-owned ...

Global High Brightness Le Market Comprehensive Insights and Growth Potential In The Future Speaking TimesHigh Brightness Le market reports provides a comprehensive overview of the global market size and share. High Brightness Le market data reports also provide ...

Strategic Planning to bring positive change ExponentChancellor Dennis Shields gave his annual speech regarding the state of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's campus. Many topics were discussed in regard ...

North Somerset councillors blast Joint Spatial Plan | Clevedon, Portishead and Nailsea news North Somerset TimesA masterplan which could see thousands of homes built in the countryside faced fierce scrutiny from councillors who labelled the proposals 'totally wrong' and ...

Draft of campus strategic plan is completed The Runner OnlineBy Fernanda Martinez Editor-in-Chief CSU Bakersfield's new strategic plan has just been completed and the first completed draft is being shown to students, ...

Small, dark, polluted: welcome to your new home at 1 Creekside Crosswhatfields?On Tuesday Lewisham Council's strategic planning committee will meet to consider the planning application submitted for the corner of Creekside and Deptford ...

State Announces Plans to Help Inmates Reenter Community Big Island NowThe State Department of Public Safety (PSD) and Reentry Commission (RC) have completed two plans to help men and women released from prison transition ...

Town seeking input for strategic plan Fort Erie ObserverThe Town of Fort Erie wants to know how it's doing and what issues are most important for residents. The Town is in the process of developing its new Strategic ...

GCCPC validates 2019-2021 Strategy Plan The PointThe Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC), yesterday validated a three-year strategy plan that will run from 2019 to 2021.

EBay Plans Strategic Review of Assets The Wall Street JournalEBay will review its operations and assets and add two directors, with a third new member to be added later in 2019, as part of agreements with affiliates of ...

Global Security Window Film Market – Porter's Five Forces Strategy Analysis and Forecast 2024 Micro Finance JournalismSecurity Window Film Market reports provides a comprehensive overview of the global market size and share. Security Window Film market data reports also ...

Meet the pastor who's on a mission to save thousands of dying American churches The Christian PostAs thousands of churches die annually across America, the Rev. Paul Marzahn says he's on a mission to save others from suffering the same fate. “The best way ...

Grand Forks School Board mulls new strategic plan Grand Forks HeraldThis week, Grand Forks School Board began laying the groundwork for a new strategic plan. At its regular meeting Monday night, the board brought in Jeff ...

The Accountability/Alignment Process: Three Steps to an Accountable Organization

Strategic Planning Strategic Planning