Being Accountable

Let’s chat about something super important yet often overlooked: personal accountability.

Being accountable means owning up to everything that happens because of your choices, actions, and how you behave. When you’re accountable, you’re in the driver’s seat – you see things through from start to finish and take responsibility for the good, the bad, and everything in between — no pointing fingers or playing the blame game.

If things don’t go as planned, you’re the one trying to steer them back on course. It’s a mindset that’s not just about fixing mistakes but also about celebrating successes that come from your decisions. This way of thinking is super powerful, not just in your professional life but in all aspects.

Here’s how to start embracing personal accountability:

• Know What You Need to Do: Being accountable starts with understanding your responsibilities. It’s about showing up on time, staying committed through your entire shift, and consistently delivering high-quality work. Knowing your duties and fulfilling them is the first step in accountability.
• Be Honest with Others and Yourself: Honesty is a pillar of accountability. This means being truthful in your interactions with others and also being candid with yourself about your abilities and limitations. It’s about facing reality, not just what you wish it to be.
• Accept Feedback: Embracing constructive feedback is crucial for growth and accountability. It involves listening to input from others, reflecting on it, and using it as a tool for improvement rather than taking it as criticism.
• Fix Mistakes: Owning up to mistakes and offering sincere apologies when necessary is so important. It’s not just about saying sorry but also about learning and improving from those slip-ups.
• Keep Track and Reward Success: Monitor your progress and celebrate your achievements. Recognizing and rewarding yourself for successful outcomes reinforces positive behavior and motivates continued accountability in your actions.

Questions

1. Can you think of a recent instance where you made a mistake? How did you handle it, and what did you learn from that experience?
2. Why do you think accountability is important for success?

Resource

https://www.mindtools.com/ami110w/developing-personal-accountability