Accountability and The Leader Army

Introduction

In discussing accountability and the leader army, it's essential to understand that accountability can be defined as taking action, decision making, and responsibility. When in a position of leadership, it is important to take accountability even if it’s blameworthy. Leaders will take full responsibilities of those accounted for and those failure to be in place of duty. Being accountable when in a position of leadership can be vital in many aspects. Aspects of accountability that leaders need to possess can include promoting trust, saving time and finances, and ensuring confidence. Leaders who display accountability in the workplace fuel the success of their organization.

Promoting trust is essential as a leader in the Army. Having accountability over a task or people ensures that the Soldier can devote to something and be responsible enough to carry it out to the end. When in that position the Soldier or individual earns trust with the people appointed over them. Mutual trust among the leader and Soldiers is more than a bond. “Currently within the Army, there is an understanding that trust is imperative for unit effectiveness and is a foundational element to mission command.” (Holmberg, Salazar, Herd, Lane, & Orslene, 2019). Trust is about perception. Soldiers may trust a leader at work but when put in a different environment that leader may not be as competent. This impacts the Soldier’s trust. The three C’s (Competence, Caring, and Communication) of trust can help leaders build relations with Soldiers so there is no fear. This allows accountability to be combined in. Without fear Soldiers are more likely to account for their failures. Accountability is a responsible, trustworthy role. It ties into integrity with leaders taking responsibility for their actions in the case that they fail.

Accountability saves time and money within the Army. Soldiers and leaders being liable and responsible for their actions can result in sufficient usage of time and money. More time and money are then able to be spent on identifying solutions and less on problems that will or are going to occur. Accountability can be important with saving time and money when it comes to mission success and planning. Leaders using accountability to save time and money can eliminate time that would be spent on unproductive tasks. “However we define accountability, it is an absolute necessity for good order and discipline which is vital to mission accomplishment.” (Rickey, 2012). Saving more time and money will help leaders focus on developing better Soldiers. This can also lead to providing improved gear and equipment. Soldier’s will then have more adequate time with their job training or daily tasks, resulting in improved performance. Not only performance but more motivated Soldiers. With their time managed well they will have more time focused on positive surroundings, and will be possibly able to go home earlier. Spending more time with families or doing things they love. Bringing happier families to Soldiers, leaders, and even the unit as a whole. This will motivate leaders accountability with their Soldiers time and money.

Confidence can be ensured with accountability in the Army. When accountability is done the right way, it will promote confidence among the Soldiers when achieving their goals. Confidence arises from the Soldiers when the organization acknowledges and promotes communications and criticism. This gives Soldiers freedom to make their own decisions, and feel that their ideas are valued. “Accountability is not an option for NCOs. As outlined in AFI 36-2618, The Enlisted Force Structure, NCOs must appropriately recognize and reward those individuals whose military conduct and duty performance clearly exceed established standards.” (Rickey, 2012). When the Army does this and allows Soldiers to do these things it will not only give them appreciation in their work but confidence as well. This can lead to improving performance associated with assigned tasks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, building accountability is vital as a leader in the Army. A leader does so by holding themselves to the highest standard of accountability. Leaders should work to promote more trust and less fear in their Soldiers or subordinates. This will result in individuals being more responsible and being held accountable in the case of success or failure. Leaders can also be accountable through saving time and money. This allows for adequate use of resources when it comes to planning and carrying out goals. Leaders can ensure confidence in their Soldiers or subordinates so that they will make their own decisions, and value their ideas as a leader. When a leader is accountable, they help pave the way to success for their organization.

References

1. Holmberg, M., Salazar, A., Herd, J., Lane, B., & Orslene, N. (2019, May 20). A Culture of Trust. Retrieved from Army University Press: https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2019/May/A-Culture-of-Trust/#bio
2. Rickey, M. (2012, December 13). Senior NCO defines accountability. Retrieved from JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON: https://www.jber.jb.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/292895/senior-nco-defines-accountability/

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