2019 has been a great year as I had the luck to work with some brilliant people… and brilliant people…  means learning from them.

The drive to become the best user researcher I could be lead me to learn some new tricks… (olds dogs can… at least try, to learn new tricks), and I tried to fully understand how accountability and a culture of execution could make my work safer and clearer.

People who are accountable follow through on their commitments and proactively communicate the results they have achieved (good and bad) in a transparent and honest manner.

Being a UX Researcher, accountability proved to be an excellent personal drive, in a role where customer expectations are not always crystal clear. One of the things I learned is that if you are accountable to others, managers, peers, costumers, sooner than later a culture of accountability is in place.

I found 3 things to establish the foundation of accountability:

  1.  Leaders and managers can´t expect accountable team members if they lack personal accountability.
    (If your manager reports that they have no time, or how their work is paramount to the balance of the universe, or that most of their work is on stuff that they can’t share.  That´s a red flag…. for a toxic workplace and for surprises)
  2. To establish responsibility deliverables and communication are key.
  3. Develop a sense of personal accountability among the members of the team. No overcontrol and micromanagement.

I consider accountability a “consider it done reputation”. In other words, striving to do consistently what you say you’ll do.

If you realize that you will be falling short of expectations, it´s not the end of the world, we just need to proactively communicate so that others are not surprised and can prepare for the impact.

Accountability and proactivity walk hand in hand it’s the gold standard is not waiting for someone to tell you that resolving an issue is your responsibility.

For me, accountability it´s like riding a 1200 Km bike ride (I did it this summer at Paris-Brest-Paris)

  • I have to deliver the expected result on time. (Making sure the results are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Acceptable, Realistic, Timely).
  • I have to proactively communicate delays, major challenges, and resource requirements

If something unpredictable happens, it´s important to put in place the no-surprises rule. (Riding 1200 km is easier on paper ;-)… believe me)

Although not delivering the intended result is bad, what’s far worse is when the right people don’t know you’re going to fall short.

When we gain transparency and understanding we are on the right track!