Leadership - Accountability Promotes Greater Success

By Author: Tammie Neumiller
Total Articles: 1
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Are you accountable for your actions? Do you take responsibility for the decisions make regardless of the outcome? Do you try and shift the blame if things don't turn out the way that you want?

Life doesn't always go the way that you like. The unexpected can and will occur at some point. Your perception and response in any given situation contributes to the result. So what are the keys to holding yourself accountable?

First create your plan and take ownership of how you want it to unfold. Be accountable to yourself.

In order to achieve this you need to be clear about what needs to be done and how you will achieve it. Make sure that the steps for implementation are defined and clarify how you will track progress. Be mindful of your learning style. If you are a visual learner creating a reminder on your computer, blackberry or planner can be helpful. If you are an auditory learner leave a voicemail message for yourself. Remember you want to create an environment that works for you, so use your strengths.

Second be direct and state the plan clearly to those involved and be willing to hear ...
... their feedback even if you don't like it.

Be willing to involve others. Ask people for feedback. If you sense that others are withholding information, you need to discover why. Is there something which you are doing which contributes to others discomfort in sharing honestly? If you are generally critical of others comments or suggestions this could lead to them becoming silent.

What about you? Do you withhold information from your colleagues and employees? There may be times when sharing information prematurely can create more problems however it is important to involve others both in order to hear their perspectives and to complete tasks. Your willingness to forthcoming and accepting criticism creates an atmosphere of trust and respect which contributes to a positive work environment.

Third ask others to hold you accountable.

Being successful in today's world generally requires you to develop effective working relationships with others. Whether it is your assistant, colleagues, manager or boss, you need their help and support to achieve your goals. Create with them a clear idea of how they can help to hold you accountable. This might mean a willingness to accept their reminders. It could be requesting your partner or friend to check in with you about the progress you are making.

It could mean however listening to their constructive criticism. Your ability to acknowledge them when they are letting you know you are not following your stated plan or you are moving in two opposing directions. Hearing that you are making mistakes can sometimes very difficult.
Make sure you utilize their support. They will help you move forward and celebrate your successes. You also could reciprocate and hold them accountable.

Take ownership of what is occurring on your watch. Don't blame others or make excuses. Learning to take responsibility is the essence of accountability. Not necessarily an easy task but certainly possible.