Did you know that less than a third of all projects are completed on time and within budget? Here in the U.S., $122 million is wasted every year due to poor project performance, according to Capterra Project Management Blog.
Many blame project failures on lack of resources, ongoing conflicts, poor facilitation, wrong team members, no one doing the work, etc.
What is the secret to making your team winner of the year? Accountability. Projects excel when teams are accountable for their results.
As the facilitator, being a sounding board and checking on progress weekly, monthly and quarterly is required for success! And, to ensure accountability.
Many facilitators would respond, “What?! I don’t have the time and I shouldn’t have to babysit!”
Many would further blame their team members, “They should know when to come to me and ask questions.”
However, learning how to be a sounding board while checking on progress isn’t hard. It keeps everyone accountable.
How to Ensure Accountability
- Distribute minutes for each group team meeting. This reminds everyone what they agreed to do.
- Schedule weekly one-on-one meetings. Check in to determine the status and progress being made between group meetings. This prevents any surprises and helps you uncover any brewing problems.
- Expect great results. Be clear you are checking in to ensure great results with no surprises.
- Listen for progress. Listen and acknowledge progress, initiatives and other steps forward. As the sounding board for the team, allow them to vent. Make sure these sessions end on a positive note so actions will be taken to move project forward.
- Brainstorm to find resources. When the “I’m too busy” excuse erupts, ask them for ideas on how to move forward or delegate tasks. (Remember, you are a sounding board.) Encourage them to take initiatives to find the money, materials and people.
- Pay attention to what is working and what is not working. When checking in, don’t micro-manage their work efforts or working relationships. Instead, expect each person to handle these challenges on their own. Step in only when their excuses jeopardize the project’s progress.
- Stay focused. When a task isn’t done, stay focused on why. Determine if the problem is due to lack of skills, or inability to focus on the current challenge. Partner the person with an experienced team member for training. This will prevent future issues.
- Remind them of the big picture. When you are checking in, repeat the purpose of the project, the goal, and current milestones.
- Acknowledgement works wonders. Always say please and thank you. These simple phrases make a profound difference. Acknowledge them for their efforts, no matter how small. Share progress and don’t forget to brag!
©Jeannette Seibly, 2018
Jeannette Seibly has been recognized as a catalyst and leadership expert for the past 25 years. As an executive coach, speaker and author, she provides straight talk with dynamic results. Are you a good sounding board? Do you hold your team members accountable? Don’t wait or it might too late. Contact Jeannette now for a preliminary confidential conversation.