Wastewater Visibility News
Leadership in the Wastewater Industry Starts with Accountability
September 26, 2024
Denver Stutler, Jr., P.E.
Thought leadership on accountability from Denver J. Stutler, P. E.
U.S. Submergent Technologies® continues its 12-part water and wastewater industry safety series, focusing in this article on the inseparable correlation between leadership and accountability.
Part 7 of the USST Wastewater Workplace Safety Series: Accountability for our decisions and actions
At USST, our crew understands that we demonstrate accountability only when we each fully accept responsibility for our decisions and actions.
I recently had the honor of speaking on the subject of leadership to the leaders of the Florida Department of Corrections. Candidly, I felt very humbled to be among the leadership champions who are part of the annual FDOC Leadership Summit. To underscore the significance of their roles, I want to point out that these leaders stand at the very pinnacle of public safety every single day and with every single decision. Their success and sustainability are clear examples of the intertwining of leadership and accountability.
Leadership Accountability for Decisions and Actions
Leadership and accountability are inseparable concepts. Leaders who demonstrate personal accountability communicate to their teams that they take responsibility for all their decisions, including their incorrect decisions. Because of their transparent accountability, leaders lead by example. They create a workplace that allows team members the breathing room they need to step up and own their accountability.
Accountability is never about being right. Accountability is about achieving the right results for your teams, your company, and the clients you serve. Accountability is about getting it right.
Questions for Measuring How Well You Lead Teams to Accountability
- Are your expectations clearly understood by your teams?
- Are you transparent with your teams? Do you own your mistakes?
- Do you communicate to your teams that accountability applies equally for actions taken and actions not taken?
- When your team gets it right, will you recognize it? Or will you expect more because that’s become your habit and routine?
- Do you, as a leader, understand when your team members need to demonstrate individual accountability vs. when they need to demonstrate team accountability?
Leaders establish a culture where people understand their roles and know what is expected of them individually and as part of the team. As the legendary college basketball coach Pat Summit said, “Responsibility equals accountability, accountability equals ownership, and a sense of ownership is the most powerful thing a team or organization can have.”
US Submergent Technologies (USST) 12 – Part Safety Series
This article is the seventh in a twelve-part series on safety and leadership in the wastewater industry. In this series, Wastewater Visibility News continues to examine the twelve values identified by US Submergent Technologies in its company Mission and Values Commitment Statement. (Read the complete company values list here: https://ussubmergent.com/mission-and-values/)
You’ll find the first six installments from US Submergent Technologies (USST) published on Wastewater Visibility News here:
- INNOVATIVE: When we solve problems using our capabilities, we are safer, faster, and more cost-effective than anyone else.
- DEPENDABLE: When we show up on time, do what we say, and always follow up.
- KNOWLEDGABLE: When we learn from our experiences and understand our limits.
- EFFICIENT: When we do not waste time.
- EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS: When we care, communicate honestly, and do our job.
- LEADERSHIP: When our team leaders take responsibility for their actions and everyone who is part of the team.
Tags:
safety
|
More Recent Posts
Subscribe
Get news delivered straight to your inbox the day it gets published."*" indicates required fields
