Accountability

Accountability is an important word and ultimately is the goal of an effective leader.

A leader helps the organization craft their goals; but then provides the support and accountability to make it happen.

In the classroom, a teacher provides accountability through formative assessments, informal discussions, and of course - the summative assessment. It is the daily check-ins that ensure students are functioning, pursuing learning, and being effective. If we assign something as a teacher we must provide accountability to ensure that it is done. This is why the idea of busy work is ultimately poisonous. If the work is not an opportunity for the teacher to ensure that learning is taking place and to provide feedback (both positive and corrective).

Likewise, in the school, as a principal we provide accountability across the professional domains. When it comes to teaching, I provide accountability by checking lesson plans (weekly), walking through classrooms (daily), checking grades, and discussing learning in meetings. In terms of HR, this can be an area of struggle - but making sure that teachers are held accountable to the terms of the contract/expectations requires a deep sense of radical candor.

A leader that does not provide accountability cannot succeed. Providing it respectfully is key; but providing candidly is important. That balance of respect and candor can be difficult to straddle but it is imperative for the organization to improve that way.