Inclusion Without Clear Lines Of Accountability Is Pointless. Here’s Why.
By dictionary definition, accountability is “the fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility”. It is a way to define answerability, liability and reporting. We see accountability embedded into organizations for finance, engineering, product delivery and more, but yet when we look at diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) work, it so often has little to no accountability.
Why is this?
Firstly, if you view something as less important, accountability feels unnecessary. Secondly, if you take a lofty view that delivery of certain work is everyone’s job, without actually defining milestones or key deliverables, then accountability is easily shirked. It is a nice thought that inclusion is everyone’s work, and it may well be. However, the measurement of that work’s success, failure or indifference is key. The rolling out of initiatives through expertise, not passion alone, is crucial in creating systemic change. “Niceness” does not create sustainable and systemic change.
All too often, we see no defined ownership of DE&I delivery in organizations, ownership that sits too far down the ranks to influence business-wide decisions or ownership given to inexperienced DE&I leaders who have no clear lines of delivery.
Why is accountability key
Accountability is key for many reasons. Here are a few.
It creates an expectation - personally and company-wide
Responsibility means we take ownership of delivery. And accountability is the condition in which this happens. By creating an expectation of what to expect, we create a connection between employees and those responsible for delivery. It also embeds transparency, because we’re being open about what we’re going to do and how we’re going to do it. Being purposeful about transparency is crucial. Assuming everyone knows what is happening is lazy. Be deliberate. Share who is responsible, what they are doing, when and why.
Decision making is key. Without it, we go around in circles and continue inefficient conversations. Accountability should mean there is a defined decision-making process and decision-maker who will hear insights across the board and make a well-informed and educated decision. Very often, when there is no decision-maker in DE&I-related activities, meetings focusing on this work can turn into venting sessions as opposed to focusing on what needs to be done and how to deliver it.
It enables sustainable movement
Sustainability is key. Without it, we use passion as a tool for delivery. And passion is not infinite. Key to successful delivery is sustainability and strategy. Having accountability embeds sustainability because it makes this a constant priority. Be proactive instead of reactive. When we have considered and consistent expectations, this should be moving along, even if it is a slower-than-we’d-like pace.
It prevents progress stagnating
The culmination of all of these things means we don’t stagnate or plateau. We don’t sit on the fence. We don’t veer away from decision making. We make changes, and we embrace change.
Accountability is key in this work because it means responsibility cannot be shirked and that regular updates and delivery is expected. What is key that those who are made accountable for this work are also given resources, budgets and headcount (if needed) to give this work real momentum and weight. Accountability with no support will fall flat as people cannot create systemic change alone.
For me, accountability of delivery may sit with your DE&I leader, however accountability for creating inclusive environments sits with everyone, especially senior leadership who are the role models of the company. Or at least, they should be.
To create a successful DE&I strategy, we must be purposeful, deliberate and accountable. That means taking ownership of the processes, policies and environments that have caused harm, to dismantle them and build them back with everyone in mind. Inclusion work exists because exclusion has been enabled and present for decades. Being vague and non-committal is part of the reason we’re in this position.