What is the best way for a Project Manager to Build Team Accountability?

Accountability is not a fashion but a culture that must be in the core of every team. By being accountable a person or team knows that is responsible for the performance and results, the project manager remains responsible for the project’s success but results are achieved not just by him/her but by the contribution of the whole team, hence the importance of building team accountability.

While there are software collaboration tools to help or foster make follow up, be in touch, know what each of team members is working on and allow a range of reports, such tools do not assure nor even mean that accountability is present in the team or any of the individuals or even that its members are willing to take it. Personal accountability is good but not enough if not all members contribute.
To build team accountability achieving commitment, ownership and proactivity PM must “engage” team members in the project, not just have them doing tasks. For this:

• Communicate clearly the goals and timing of the project, responsibilities of each individual and their contribution to the milestones achievement and the project goals as well as how their work is interconnected with others work and affect team success.
• Recognize individual contributions but mainly understand and communicate them as contribution to the team and project success.
• Share with the team the status, advances and next steps in the project, have the team members communicate advances and Involve those that can contribute with ideas, this may strengthen (or form) the sense of belonging and ownership.
• Give feedback and take actions on poor performance.
• Document commitments and make follow-up.

Fostering accountability must be done during all the project, not just in kickoff.