The “Wicked” Truth of Accountability

What is The Oz Principle?

The Oz Principle teaches us that we need to take ownership of our actions to reach our goals. In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy goes on a journey to find her way home. On her way, she meets special characters like the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. Each character represents a different attitude toward accountability. The Scarecrow is constantly looking for wisdom; the Tin Man is seeking a heart; and the Cowardly Lion desires courage. Their journey together shows us that recognizing our role in overcoming consequences is key for us to achieve our objectives.

The Oz Principle also highlights three main elements of accountability:

1. Personal Responsibility
2. Trust
3. Commitment

By focusing on these three areas, we can create a culture of accountability that benefits everyone in our personal and professional lives.

1. Personal Responsibility

The first step toward accountability is becoming aware of and understanding personal responsibility. This means acknowledging your role in the outcomes you experience. In your business, it’s important to own your tasks and responsibilities, instead of blaming others or making excuses. When people take responsibility for their actions, they are much more likely to learn from their mistakes and make better choices in the future.

As a leader, you play an important role in promoting personal responsibility when you model accountability in your actions and encourage your team members to do the same. Doing this creates an environment where everyone feels empowered to take initiative and contribute to the team’s success.

2. Trust

Trust is crucial for accountability. Trust must be built within teams and organizations. When team members trust each other, they are more likely to hold themselves accountable and address issues openly. Trust is earned through clear communication, honesty, and respect.

An environment where trust thrives will make people feel safe sharing their ideas and concerns. This openness will also lead to stronger relationships that will bring with them better teamwork and creativity. When leaders show they trust their teams, it encourages individuals to take responsibility for their work and actions.

3. Commitment

The final element of the Oz Principle is commitment to the process. Accountability is not just about recognizing responsibilities; it’s also about following through on promises and delivering results. When people are committed to their roles, they are much more likely to work hard to achieve their goals.

To promote commitment, organizations should set clear goals and provide the support needed to meet those goals. It’s also important to celebrate achievement, because recognizing hard work helps people feel valued.

Benefits of Accountability

Embracing the Oz Principle leads to countless positive outcomes. A culture of accountability helps individuals eliminate excuses and take ownership of their work. Teamwork will improve as people support each other in reaching common goals. And as this happens, you’ll see more positive morale, job satisfaction, and higher employee retention.

When used with Nexstar’s Accountability Ladder, The Oz Principle provides a simple yet powerful framework for understanding where you currently are when it comes to accountability in your life and workplace. By focusing on personal responsibility, building trust, and fostering commitment, you will create an environment where everyone feels empowered to take ownership of their actions. In a world filled with challenges, embracing accountability can guide you toward your goals and help you succeed, just like Dorothy’s journey in The Wizard of Oz. Let’s take charge of our paths and work together to achieve great things!

To learn more about becoming accountable to yourself and your team, sign up our Leadership & Culture Workshop hosted in Sarasota, FL or Bloomington, MN.