How to better hold people accountable for delivering their results

Here are ten tips to better hold people accountable for delivering their results in a midstage startup that is under high pressure to make its next funding round:

1. Establish clear performance expectations: Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and measurable targets to avoid confusion and ensure everyone in the team is aware of what’s expected of them.
2. Communicate progress regularly: Hold regular check-ins to discuss performance, provide feedback, and clarify any areas that need improvement or additional support.
3. Set SMART goals: Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound goals to ensure that everyone understands what success looks like.
4. Keep everyone informed of the company’s financial situation: Ensure everyone is aware of the company’s cash flow and funding situation, and how this relates to the work they are doing. This will help motivate everyone to stay focused and work towards common goals.
5. Foster a culture of accountability: Encourage everyone in your team to hold themselves and each other accountable for delivering results. This will help create a culture where individual accountability is the norm.
6. Provide necessary resources: Make sure employees have the resources and tools they need to get the job done, such as relevant technology, training, and development opportunities.
7. Have constructive conversations around challenges: Rather than focussing on blaming or shaming, have constructive conversations around why challenges are being faced and what can be done to overcome them.
8. Encourage high performance: Reinforce top performers through monetary and non-monetary rewards and recognition.
9. Encourage an open and transparent communication culture: Develop an open culture of communication, allowing employees to share their victories and challenges, ensuring the necessary support is given to create a winning environment.
10. Be a reliable leader: Offer stability, clear direction and vision, and create a culture of transparency and inclusivity.

Remember, mid-stage startups are critical growth phases, and so it’s important to lead and motivate your team towards a common goal. By fostering accountability, setting clear expectations, and creating an open and transparent culture, you can more confidently push forward with the support of a team that is aligned with delivering business results.