Are you ready to take your leadership to the next level? Discover the transformative power of accountability. You’ll take ownership of your life and inspire greatness in others.
Defining Accountability
Accountability is a mindset. Accountability is taking ownership for your actions, your thoughts, your people, and results. Regardless of the role or result, whether success or failure, it’s saying, “I’m responsible for this.”
Why Accountability Matters
Accountability empowers you to act, instead of react. Accountable leaders drive commitment, trust, performance, and results. When leaders are not accountable excuses, blaming (finger pointing), conflict, missed deadlines, and poor performance are the norm. Progress, productivity, failing forward, and eventual success are the hallmark signs of a leader who accepts responsibility and ownership.
How to Be an Accountable Leader
Becoming an accountable leader does not happen by chance. It takes a conscious effort and willingness to embrace responsibility. Here are some places to start:
- Own Your Actions: Take responsibility for your actions, both positive and negative. Avoid making excuses or blaming others.
- Memorize and Use These Words: “I am responsible” and “I own this.” When you’re tempted to shift blame or make excuses, or when you experience failure, say these words.
- Set Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate your expectations with others, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
- Provide Feedback: Regularly provide feedback to your team, both positive and constructive. This helps to reinforce accountability and improve performance.
- Lead by Example: Demonstrate accountability in your own actions. Your people will follow your lead.
- Pre-Week Plan: Identify what matters most for each of your life roles and schedule your priorities first. This is how you lead a life by design, rather than by default (and take ownership of your time and life!)
Key Takeaway
Take ownership and responsibility for your life. Take ownership and responsibility as a leader for each of your life roles. Pre-week plan to do what matters most. Memorize the words “I am responsible” and “I own this.” Clearly communicate expectations, and provide clear feedback. As you do this, you’ll lead by example, you’ll be accountable for your life, and you’ll inspire accountability in others. That’s becoming your best!
“Even when there’s a reason to blame someone else or there’s merit to your blame, taking responsibility for your life and your actions gives you a starting point for moving forward.“ – Steve Shallenberger
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