A Recipe for Accountability
As producers, we juggle multiple responsibilities to ensure our projects are successful. It's not just about meeting deadlines and staying within budget; it's also about meeting client needs, supporting our creative teams, and keeping everyone on track. We're the hub of information, constantly knowing where we stand in the production process, what feedback needs attention, and who's responsible for what. It's a lot to handle, and let's face it, it can get stressful.
Even so, being a great producer means not only holding our clients and team members accountable but also ourselves. I learned early in my career that owning up to mistakes is key. We all mess up sometimes. Have you ever forgotten to reply to a client email or forgotten to share important feedback with the team? I’ve done that! We’re human; making the occasional mistake is okay, as long as we own them and learn from them.
Accountability isn't just a fancy word; it's the backbone of any successful organization. Clients and teams depend on one another to accomplish important tasks, to move projects forward. Unfortunately, dishonesty, defensiveness, and avoiding responsibility can really throw a wrench into things. Have you ever worked with someone who has falsely represented their skillset which resulted in incomplete work, project schedule delays, and/or having to replace that person with another artist last minute? I have. If you’ve experienced something similar, my guess is that it diminished your trust and probably your motivation too.
Whether it's a tiny hiccup or a major blunder, sweeping it under the rug only makes things worse. It damages trust and integrity, making it harder to fix issues and move forward. Likewise, when someone's quick to point fingers or gets defensive at feedback, it puts a damper on collaboration and growth. Instead of seeing feedback as a chance to improve, they take it as a personal attack.
Why is being accountable challenging? I suspect that most of the time people react out of fear—fear they won’t be hired for a project, fear they will be reprimanded for their mistakes, or fear of losing their job. Fear is normal, but the only way you regain control over a situation is to acknowledge what went wrong, how you contributed, and come up with solutions to fix it. If you forget, like I did, to respond to a client or to share important feedback to the creative team, acknowledge the mistake immediately. Apologize and move forward. Yes, the client might be a little annoyed at the delay. However if you step up your game and get the team back on track, the small blunder won't turn into an avalanche. The client will forgive and forget because, quite literally, everyone will moved on. You, like me, will have gotten everything back on track swiftly, like a true professional.
Fortunately, in my 20+ years of producing, I have learned that creating a culture of accountability is totally doable, and since it's so important, I'm providing the recipe!
1. Lead by Example: Show honesty, transparency, and a willingness to own up to mistakes. Be the accountability champion your team needs. Demonstrating transparency gives others the permission to do so as well.
2. Set Clear Expectations: Make sure everyone knows their role and when their work is due. Clarity is key. Providing clear direction ensures mutual understanding and successful outcomes.
3. Promote Open Communication: Create a safe space where folks feel comfy sharing successes and slip-ups. Embrace feedback and encourage learning. Promoting open communication fosters trust, collaboration, and problem-solving.
4. Deal with Issues Swiftly: When things go sideways, address them one-on-one and pronto. Offer constructive feedback and work on solutions together. Handling issues when they arise prevents escalation, minimizes negative impacts, and maintains productivity and harmony within the team.
5. Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge instances where accountability shines. Public recognition boosts morale and inspires others to step up. Celebrating your team's achievements boosts morale. and fosters motivation and continued success.
