I am riveted by the latest news on yet another politician found brazenly ignoring the fundamental purpose of his job. At what point do people lose their sense of accountability?
It's not only an enormous question for government; it's a huge question for business. (Just ask the CEOs of the big three US automakers.)
I've spent the last year exploring, among other issues, the topic of accountability in marketing and business development for professional service firms. Although I wouldn't claim this issue has the same moral underpinnings as what we've seen in the U.S. news lately, the notion of accountability looms large in the ultimate marketplace success of any professional service firm.
My take? There's not enough shared accountability. We've built our professional businesses on collaborating informally, and I'm not saying that's bad. But I think professional firms could do more to build a sense of shared accountability (among practitioners as well as marketing and business development professionals) for their marketplace success.
Anybody care to share some stories on how professional service firm leaders are helping their organizations to grow a sense of shared accountability for making marketplace gains?
Speaking of accountability, how about Bernard Mardoff and his $50 BILLION Ponzi scheme? His former clients are wishing he knew the meaning of the word "accountable."
Posted by: Andrea Harris | December 15, 2008 at 02:08 PM