4DX: Cadence of Accountability

This blog post is based on my experience with 4DX (4 Disciplines of Execution) framework (check this introductory blog post about 4dx). Today we focus on the cadence of accountability, which is the 4th step of 4DX method. In simpler words, we will look at the process that brings together all the elements discussed so far.

Push, push and don’t stop pushing

So you defined your goal(s), lag and lead measures and a beautiful 4dx scoreboard. Now it is the execution time. And to achieve your WIG all you have to do is to constantly push forward. Cadence will help you with this.

If there is no time devoted to your priority then it won’t get done: urgent things will steal your focus. You need to make sure there is time in your calendar for what has to be done so that your main objective is met. In particular, the whole team should gather regularly to discuss the progress and set actions for the incoming days.

Analyze the scoreboard, retrospect and plan your next moves

So what should you do? Have a meeting devoted to WIG. The whole team should gather and discuss the progress. (How often? Your call – weekly? daily? See what works for you.)

This is when you look at your 4dx scoreboard and analyze how your actions influenced the lead measures. What was the team able to accomplished and what haven’t been done (and why)? What worked? What didn’t? Are there any blockers inside/outside the team?

But even more importantly this meeting is devoted to deciding upon actions that should be done this week to move the lead measures. What is one or two actions each team member should perform that would bring the most value?

Accountability

And this is when accountability kicks in. It is about:

team members hold each other accountable for commitments made to move the score
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The regular meetings are about making sure each one of us did what he committed to. And to help each other if someone failed.

TIP: You might check the difference between accountability and responsibility – in some languages (e.g. Polish) there is only one a single word for both terms so it is hard to grasp the difference.

Lag measures?

Your everyday work should be guided by lead measures, not the lag ones. You (as a team) could also have a look at lag measures from time to time so that you verify if you are pulling the right lever. But they are not the point of focus – if you selected the right lead measures the lag will move eventually. Just keep on pushing!