Rewarding & Accountable (Paradox Pair #11)

Accountability gets a bad rap. It's often associated with blame or liability, it often reeks of obligation. Yet accountability is critical to how we function as a team. Accountability means we can rely on each other, that we can trust our dependencies. It's critical that we support each other, and in fact it is essential if we are to grow and scale. When we can be assured that other's work will be to spec, will perform as needed, we can focus on the task at hand and work against scope creep. Knowing that others can count on my work is fulfilling, each of us can see how we are part of the critical path of a solution. Doing fulfilling work generates a type of currency that replenishes our creativity and gives us energy to tackle the next challenge. We'd much rather work in this way, in a manner that appreciates our collective work, then to feel we have to solve all problems, every little detail, on our own. This mindset binds us, strengthening our team, and in addition to aiding problem solving, it is also a sought after reward.

The Paradox Pairs series is an exploration of the contradictory forces that surround us.  A deeper study finds that these forces often complement each other if we can learn to tap into the strength of each. See the entire series by using the Paradox Pairs Index.