high-performing organizations

The Capstone of Accountability

  1. March 11th, 2014  | 

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Published in Accountability

High-performing organizations drive accountability through a set of principles and practices that are simple to say and hard to do.

I call these principles The Seven Pillars of Accountability:

  • Character
  • Unity
  • Learning
  • Tracking
  • Urgency
  • Reputation
  • Evolving

The acronym – C.U.L.T.U.R.E. – is deliberate and will help you remember the seven pillars in the bridge that you will cross in your journey from Point A to Point B.

According to legend, Roman engineers in charge of designing and directing bridge construction were expected to stand directly beneath the center of the arch as the capstone was placed in position.

Smart design, flawless execution, and trust were no longer abstract ideas. The ultimate test of responsibility occurred when the final stone holding the entire arch in place was inserted and the engineer’s life literally was at stake.

Accountability in the workplace is most noticeable at the end of projects, but we will learn—as the ancient Romans learned—that failure to pay attention to accountability along the way can be deadly.

Are you and your colleagues willing to stand under the weight of your decisions?

About the Author: Greg Bustin advises some of the world’s most admired companies and leaders, and he’s dedicated a career to working with CEOs and the leadership teams of hundreds of companies in a range of industries. He’s facilitated more than 250 strategic planning sessions, he’s delivered more than 700 keynotes and workshops on every continent except Antarctica, and he coaches leaders who are inspired to take their career to the next level. His fourth leadership book— Accountability: The Key to Driving a High-Performance Culture (McGraw-Hill) —is a Soundview Executive Best Business Book.

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