A Goodmorning BSN! presentation by Ebunoluwa Opelami, Head of Group Performance Management, Talent & Culture at FCMB Group.
Let’s get right to the core of what makes or breaks performance in any organisation: clarity and accountability. These elements are transformative, enhancing transparency and efficiency within organisations.
The Imperative of Clarity
The journey begins with clarity. The series of images below illustrates different interpretations of a single project by various stakeholders—from the project owner to the contractor and the marketing team. These images reveal how easily information can be misconstrued, leading to varied outcomes.
This illustration vividly demonstrates how differing interpretations of a single concept can lead to varied outcomes, highlighting the need for clear communication.
David Belasco’s poignant observation reinforces this point:
If you can’t write your idea on the back of my calling card, you don’t have a clear idea.
This statement champions succinct and transparent communication as essential for avoiding misunderstandings and aligning team perspectives.
Accountability and Engagement
Accountability goes beyond making decisions; it involves engaging everyone in these decisions to eliminate misunderstandings and encourage ownership. Additionally, clear communication is vital as it ensures each team member understands their specific roles, enhancing both performance and job satisfaction.
Establishing a business rhythm is also critical. This rhythm involves regular meetings and updates, ensuring that all team members are aligned, which supports transparency and facilitates real-time feedback.
Adapting communication strategies to fit both the team dynamics and the individual capabilities of its members is crucial. This tailored approach reduces the risks of miscommunication and aligns with leadership goals and performance enhancement.
Q&A Session
Q1: How do you gain clarity with a large team?
A: Structured, tiered communication is essential. It ensures information flows from top management down to all levels. This helps every team member understand their role and responsibilities.
Q2: How do leaders ensure they aren’t creating confusion with their direction?
A: Leaders must clearly articulate their directions. They should engage frequently with their teams to reinforce objectives. This frequent engagement helps solicit feedback and enhances mutual understanding.
Q3: What strategies can be implemented to improve accountability without seeming overbearing?
A: Clear, measurable goals are crucial. Conducting regular review sessions is also important. These strategies ensure transparency about expectations and the impact of each contribution on the company’s goals.
Q4: In a diverse environment, how do you maintain clarity and accountability?
A: Adopting a communication style that embraces diverse perspectives and includes various feedback mechanisms is crucial. This method fine-tunes processes to respect and incorporate everyone’s viewpoints, thereby enhancing both clarity and accountability.
Watch the recording of our 56th Goodmorning BSN! session with Ebunoluwa Opelami on YouTube for more insights and join us every Tuesday morning for global discussions on leadership.
