Twenty years ago, this article was first published in the Harvard Business Review, The Discipline of Teams. Authored by Jon R. Katzenbach and Douglas K. Smith, the article remains a seminal document with respect to the functioning of the most successful teams.
Within this work are many key insights and observations on the role of mutual accountability, and how top teams develop this fundamental characteristic. From our observation in coaching premiere financial advisory teams, mutual accountability is one of the key distinguishing points that separate the outstanding teams from everyone else.
I have excerpted some of the article’s key points regarding mutual accountability:
What we have observed at ClientWise is that getting a group of financial advisors with various individual goals to abide by a common set of standards and rules can be one of the toughest tasks for teams to tackle. While team members may pledge their commitment in their words, it is another thing to show it in their actions. Often what is said is the opposite of what is actually done.
Teams that have trouble walking the talk have a difficult time reaching their full potential. Without mutual accountability, the team can sabotage itself due to jealousies, resentments, and conflicts. A selfishness arises within the team that corrodes the effectiveness of the team as a whole
However, when teammates are accountable to each other something special happens within the team. Team members begin to respect and trust each other. This bond based on mutual respect and trust is key to helping the team realize its full potential. Creating and maintaining this type of chemistry is one of the most challenging and important goals for the team to aspire towards.
Build trust and respect with your clients and centers of influence by using the ClientWise Conversation. Please download the complimentary ClientWise Learning Tool below: