Are you ultra curious about what the Cheeto bag has to do with accountability? Let us lay the foundation before we share the story.

When you hear “accountability” what comes to mind? Do your thoughts go to negative ideas, such as “catching someone doing something wrong, or not doing what they were supposed to do?” Most people think accountability is followed by blame, punishment, and linked to control.

Accountability is the highest form of praise.

We teach accountability differently than anyone. We want to shift your thinking from seeing accountability as pointing out the negative, to stating, “you matter and what you do matters boldly.”

Often in unhealthy team situations, you might hear, “just forget it, I’ll do it myself.” In these situations, there is likely a lack of trust, conflict, and/or commitment. What the person likely hears is, “I don’t matter, and what I do doesn’t matter.”

Imagine how you feel when someone holds you accountable to your tasks and says, “you are important to the team, and your talents are needed to make this team successful.” You feel appreciated and valued and are likely more eager to ensure you do not let the team down.

Accountability leads to high standards.

Without accountability, what manifests are low standards. Think about it. You work in an office, or hospital, or any building with a group of people making up an organization. Your organization has at least one conference room that is a shared space when needs arise. If you go into the room and it is a mess, garbage lying around, tables, and chairs in random locations, the whiteboard is full of information meaning nothing to you, and there is even spoiled food in some areas. You may make the assumption that if the people before you did not take care of the room, you do not have to either.

On the flip side, if you lead by example and pick up after yourself and even go out of your way to clean up garbage, you show your team you are accountable for the cleanliness of the property. This encourages your colleagues to do the same.

The Cheeto story.

While we were on-site to work with a team, the chef was providing a quick tour. Upon walking up the stairs, he paused, bent down to grab a lone Cheeto on the ground, and then continued as if it didn’t happen. As we approached a trash bin, he discarded it.

Was “tour guide” part of his job description? No.

Was “housekeeper” or “maintenance” part of his job description? No.

He didn’t have to do any of this. Yet he did.

It’s a really short, simple story. But, it has accountability written all over it. He is a part of the team. He believes in high standards. He believes in setting a good example for his team and guests.

Get a sneak peek of accountability.

If you are a visual learner and enjoy watching videos, listen to this recording of how we teach accountability. This video was captured earlier this year during a presentation to the Milwaukee Chapter of ATD, Association for Talent Developers. (You may have to turn your sound all the way up).

Bring the 5 essentials of a team to your organization.

Reflect. How do you and your team view accountability? How would you rate the health of your team on the topic of accountability? Could this shift make a positive difference? Do you want to find a “Cheeto story” of your own?

Curious to learn more about the 5 essentials of a team and how to incorporate the simple, yet effective resources in your work, volunteer opportunities, and personal life?

Stay tuned for the fifth and final essential of a team. Or, catch up to understand the need for trust, conflict, and commitment.

Find your professional coaching partner.

Ready to take the next step to build high-performing teams? Not sure where to start or how to build the 5 essentials of a team? Partner-up with us for higher productivity and employee engagement.