Accountability Video Program

The Four Levels of Responsibility

Overview

A common leadership concern is the desire for team members to take more responsibility. But let’s not overlook the importance of clarity in expectations regarding each task’s autonomy level:

  • Level 1: Perform as directed (no autonomy)
  • Level 2: Ask first (limited autonomy)
  • Level 3: Act and notify (guided autonomy)
  • Level 4: Act independently (complete autonomy)

The sweet spot for most tasks is usually in the middle, where a balance of guidance and independence allows the work to go smoothly.

Key Takeaway

Accountable leaders enhance team performance by being clear about the level of responsibility needed for each task.

Application Question

Reflect on a task or process you manage. Ask yourself, which level of responsibility does this task require? How can you set a clear expectation to enable a smooth performance process?

This video is included in the Leadership-in-a-Box® program: