Accountability is difficult in both family and non family businesses. I just wrote a blog about how even a high-performing, non family team was having difficulty dealing with accountability issues.
So as I saw how a high-performing group of non family business professionals was struggling with accountability, I realized why accountability in the family business was like accountability on steroids.
Accountability strikes at the very heart of people’s self-worth and personal identity. In the family system people already have existing baggage from family relationships. When you start trying to hold them accountable to the business results, those issues get compounded.
As in non family firms I encourage people to learn how to take a deep breath and realize that business accountability shouldn’t be perceived as a dagger in the heart for who they are as people. When a business professional can learn to take on accountability from an objective, mature place they can grow as business professionals.
The other part of accountability in the family business or non family business is learning how to hold people accountable in a way that is professional and builds personal identity and confidence.
Effective leaders know how to hold people accountable in ways that challenge them and strengthens the relationship rather than tearing people down. This involves learning how to deliver effective performance messages in a consistent and productive way.
So learn how to take on accountability with a brave face and a smile whether you’re working in the family business or a non family firm. Great performers invite accountability and use it to reach even higher levels of results!
