8 Ways to Build Accountability
Develop Accountability for Success
Would you like to achieve greater confidence and faster results? Would you like to increase trust and respect from your colleagues or team? Do you want to develop a fundamental leadership skill and achieve success in business, work and relationships? Learn some ways to practise accountability.
A desire for accountability is one reason often cited by clients who are looking to work with a coach. Working with a coach is a really effective way to build the skill of accountability and achieve outcomes that matter, but what if you don’t have access to a coach right now? There are some key actions you can take today to increase accountability and help you follow through on actions and goals that are important to you. Firstly though, what do we mean by ‘accountability’ and why is this a desirable skill or trait?
Accountability is related to ethics and morals, and even legal obligations, so it makes sense that it is a desirable adult and professional trait. In a personal or coaching context, accountability is taking personal responsibility for our actions or lack of action. It includes acknowledging and accepting our mistakes and taking steps to find solutions.
Besides showing ourselves to be responsible adults, why would we want to improve our skill of accountability? The benefits are many. Accountability is an important leadership and management skill. Demonstrating accountability builds trust and respect with your team. It also builds your confidence and trust in yourself. Whether you work solo or with a team, accountability promotes working effectively and brings results more quickly. If you are keen to build accountability and see benefits like these, review the following practices that can support you with this goal.
(1) Set mini-goals and reward yourself along the way.
Big, impactful goals are awesome, but life can get in the way. It can be tough to pursue long-term goals and your sense of personal responsibility may wane over time. To assist with accountability, break up complex and long-term goals into mini-goals. Choose logical milestones and plan rewards for when you reach them. Be sure to follow through on the reward, not just the mini-goal. Celebrating your achievements along the way is an excellent way to recognise your ability to hold yourself accountable.
(2) Ensure your goal is realistic.
A goal that stretches you is wonderful and often recommended. Also, you need to believe that your goal is achievable. If not, you could find it hard to keep yourself accountable and give up too early, missing out on the results that achieving your goal could bring. Set yourself up for success as you build your skill of accountability by making sure your goals are realistic and achievable.
(3) Set a realistic deadline.
For any outcome goal it is important to set a deadline. If there is no natural deadline, such as when designing a seasonal product line, select a time limit that works for you and your process. Ensure the deadline is close enough that it helps you maintain momentum whilst being not so tight that you risk burning out as you try to meet it.
(4) Publicly declare your goal.
There is no need to tell everyone, but tell at least one person you respect and can rely on. Share details with your coach, partner or best friend, and set up regular check-ins regarding your progress. Some people find it effective to announce their goal on social media or through their newsletter. Include your deadline and remember to report as you reach various milestones. What if you didn’t meet a milestone? Share that too. Holding yourself accountable means accepting mistakes and failures as well as wins. Accountability is not perfection.
(5) Remember your ‘why’ or the greater purpose Behind your goal.
If you have ever asked yourself, “Why am I doing this?” you are in the right place. This is a really important question to ask and be able to answer with clarity. When progress on a goal slows or stalls or when obstacle after obstacle gets in your way you may feel like stopping. Assuming you were clear on your ‘why’ when you set your goal and that your original purpose is still relevant, take a moment to remember that ‘why’. Write out the purpose of your goal or find an image connected with your ‘why’ and place it somewhere you can see it readily. This will provide a visual reminder that will help keep you accountable even when what is happening in the moment might make your pursuit seem or feel pointless.
Another point related to the power of your ‘why’ when it comes to accountability is how it helps with smaller and perhaps seemingly insignificant goals. Following through on a smaller goal might not seem like a big deal at first. However focusing on how the goal fits into your big picture can help you commit to following through on it. Some people feel like it doesn’t matter whether they stick to small commitments. Finding success with accountability in smaller goals sets a strong foundation for keeping yourself accountable with larger ones. You will develop the trait of accountability, not only the skill.
(6) Take consistent relevant action.
Showing up consistently demonstrates accountability in action. Take action that gets results. By consistently taking action that moves us forward (not just keeps us busy), we are demonstrating a commitment to the process of goal-getting as well as the outcome.
(7) Focus on solutions not blame.
Accountability includes following through on your commitments. So what about when you follow through, but things go wrong? Or, what if you do not complete everything you said you would? Accountability means taking responsibility for mistakes and accepting undesired outcomes. An accountable person shows leadership when they focus on finding and implementing solutions rather than looking for who is to blame. Lead with accountability for a happier and better functioning team.
(8) Consider what has helped you stick to commitments or goals in the past.
Even if this is the first time that you have consciously decided to develop the skill of accountability, you have proven accountable in the past. Think about previous times you committed to a challenging project or important goal. How did you hold yourself accountable then? What worked really well? What didn’t work as well as you expected? Consider your values and strengths. Which of your top values are connected with accountability? What about ‘Integrity’, ‘Determination’, or ‘Success’? Take a few moments to consider how accountability fits with your values and understand your ‘why’ for building the skill of accountability. As always, learn, experiment and pivot. Ultimately practice what works for you.
Accountability facilitates success in business, relationships and life. It is a cornerstone of excellent leadership. Practising accountability supports personal growth and goal achievement. You can meet the challenges of accountability and reap the rewards.
Thinking about coaching?
A coaching relationship is a partnership designed to increase accountability. A coach can help you understand what types or methods of accountability are most effective for you. With the right coaching support you will hold yourself to the commitments and intentions you have set. You will attain results more quickly and build greater confidence.
If you would like to find out more about coaching with me and what we could achieve together, please book a brief complimentary consultation call. If you would prefer to get started and try coaching now, schedule a free introductory coaching session (subject to availability).
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