Act with Accountability

Accountability is one of those words that we hear in the workplace and in life and often wonder how to put it into action.

Accountability is “A personal choice to rise above one’s circumstances and demonstrate the ownership necessary for achieving desired results—to See It, Own It, Solve It, and Do It.”  (amanet.org)

This definition includes an attitude of continually asking, “What else can I do to rise above my circumstances and achieve the desired results?” It requires a level of ownership that includes making, keeping and answering for personal commitments. Such a perspective embraces both today and what lies ahead.

To break it down further, being accountable means that you are trusted.  And who doesn’t want to be trusted?   It also means that you are respected and that you send a message to others that you are willing to do whatever is necessary to achieve success for you and your team.

Our problem is that all too often, we point fingers at each other when something isn’t completed or accomplished.  Sometimes it’s intentional, but most of the time it’s simply out of habit.  As human beings, it is sometimes difficult to bear the necessary courage to exhibit personal accountability.

So, what does accountability look like through the eyes and outward perspectives of our co-workers and employers and even our friends and family members?

Well, something like this … (and these are just ours!)

• Recognizing and accepting complete responsibility for your behavior. Accepting the consequences for the choices you make .. you own it! No more pointing fingers.  No more excuses.
• Exceed expectations… Don’t just meet them. It might sound a bit cliche, but there really isn’t time for the status quo when you are pursuing an accountable reputation.
• Be willing to consciously accept responsibility for your mistakes instead of blaming others. Admit them!  First to yourself. And then to others.  Sure, it’s tempting, but embrace each mistake, and make the decision to learn from it.
• Admit your limitations. Don’t fake it.  Rather, it’s perfectly okay accept responsibility for something you don’t completely understand.  But ask for help and counsel from someone who does.  There are great teachers out there!!   It takes courage, but you will feel loads better once you swallow your ego and just ask.  They may be coming to you at some point down the road.

There’s no question that being accountable equates to acceptance and admitting things to yourself and others.  It takes guts and perhaps a little bit of vulnerability.  Okay, a lot of vulnerability!  But in the end, being accountable, and making others to perceive you as such, is what gives you another reason to stay motivated, keep pushing forward and adds another skill to the myriad of talents in your toolkit.

Written by Melissa Mead and Margaret Walker Scavo