“But do I want to be accountable to you?”
The “A” word is banded about all the time. There are many folks out there, it seems, who want us to be accountable to them.
Is it because they want to order us around and tell us what to do?
I sincerely hope not.
Is it because they want to see what powerful ideas we are running with and “borrow them?”
Again. I sincerely hope not, although I’ve experienced this.
If we try to be accountable to many people, surely, we become accountable to no-one. Not even ourselves.
Clara Capano, International Speaker and Master Trainer, has some useful ideas on finding the right accountability partner
1. Think twice before picking a friend. #
It’s not always fair to also expect them to push us and hold us accountable. When seeking an accountability partner, you want someone who understands your vision and goals and is committed to helping you achieve them. A good accountability partner will call you out when you are holding back and question you when you are not showing up with the focus and purpose you have committed to.
Pick someone you can trust, that you can be open with and who will not be afraid to push you.
2. Give them permission to push you. #
Once you find that person, you need to give them permission to do their job and hold you accountable. If they are not clear on the fact that they have the permission to stand up to you and call you out when you are playing small, it will not work. Tell them what you need and also how they can deliver feedback to you so that you are most receptive. Remember why you hired them or asked them to be on your success team; make sure you give them the permission and freedom to do their job.
3. Create a plan. #
You need to know how and when you will communicate with your accountability partner. Will you meet weekly? Monthly? Over the phone? Face to face? Come up with a set of rules and guidelines for how you will meet and also what you will cover in that time.
Often these meetings take place over the phone or via email and involve three questions:
- How did last week go?
- What is my main focus/ target for this week?
- Do I need help with anything?
Whether you pay your accountability partner or not, show up and follow the standards that are set. You will get more out of your meetings when all parties know what will be covered in each session and if you are there and ready for the accountability.
4. Review progress. #
You want to make sure your accountability is working so set time to review the progress and make needed adjustments. Set 90-day targets and set up weekly schedules to support those goals.
If you find that your accountability program is not working, take time to meet with your partner, review the standards and targets to see if you can adjust and re-tune the accountability process.
Sometimes it is time to move on, and that is OK too.
5. Be honest. #
Coaching and accountability work best when all parties are honest and open. Make sure you clearly state your goals and objectives upfront and you also hear theirs. Do not set goals that you think they will approve of or agree to do items because you think they are the “right” things to do — this is your life and business and your goals need to be specific to you. When you hold back, you could possibly hire the wrong person and create confusion around your goals and process.
“Accountability is the glue that ties commitment to the result.” – Bob Proctor
You owe it both to yourself and to them to be honest from the start, as well as throughout the entire process.
Accountability works — it can keep you connected with your goals, help ensure you show up with purpose and allow you to accomplish amazing things.
Success doesn’t come when we work alone; we are stronger together and when we surround ourselves with others who will support us in our goals.
“Personal accountability requires mindfulness, acceptance, honesty and courage.” – Shelby Martin
Thank you for reading.
