Accountability, what does it really mean?
Throughout my life journey I have heard many different definitions of accountability. Mainly these definitions have come from two different perspectives so to speak. The first comes from the world of business, work, career. The second comes from a personal/self-view.
I have often thought that if an individual is not personally accountable, then how can they be held accountable in their career/work? Accountability cannot be taught, however as a leader you can lead by example to support another individual to consider the benefits of being accountable. You can also set up a “How many by when” process so an individual can become familiar with deadlines and what this means to delivering results. This will take a strong commitment from the individual who wants to learn and grow in their accountability.
Another caveat is the notion of personal commitment. I have come to learn that commitment has several distinct levels:
Those who say they are committed; however, their results do not reflect that in any way.
Committed Unless: those who say they are committed until “X” happens.
Committed no matter what and without exception: those who take on their accountability no holds bar. They hold accountability with respect and check in with their results often no matter what they are. They know that to have a constructive and objective relationship with their results is very important to their level of accountability. They mean it and their results show it.
Throughout my life I have shown up in all the categories above until I GOT IT! I fully respect what it means to be committed no matter what and to own a high level of integrity/accountability. Therefore, it is so important that as a Leader when there are milestones or deliverables at stake, I assign them to those that show up as personally accountable. Additionally, I never assign a goal, assignment, or deliverable to more than one person. The reason is that each person may have a completely different context/definition of accountability/commitment.
So, what are the definitions for accountability that I have read/heard throughout the years? I have listed them below and have divided them into work and personal meanings.
Accountability (work)
The state of being answerable and responsible to fulfill an obligation/commitment.
Ownership to deliver on an assigned task.
An obligation that has consequences.
A deliverable that is owned through to completion.
The concept of answerability by an individual and/or a department for the performance or outcomes of specific activities.
Taking or being assigned responsibility for something that you have done or something you are supposed to do.
(Personal) Accountability
Consciously choosing to take ownership of your life, responsibility, etc.
Holding yourself accountable to make something happen.
Complete understanding that choices have consequences.
For outcomes resulting from choices, behaviors, and actions.
Complete acceptance in “what is”
After reviewing these definitions, again I ask the question can an individual who is not accountable for their life choices (personal) be accountable for fulfilling an assignment or deliverable (work). For me the answer is a big NO.
A good leader will seek out members of their team that show up personally accountable and assign them tasks/deliverables. Accountability should never be a game where you give people who do not show up as accountable an opportunity to be accountable. For example, I’d never select an employee who is consistently late (to work, for meetings, deadlines, etc.) to deliver a task that has a very specific timeline. Why, because that individual does not show up personally accountable. They tend to have a “Committed Unless” attitude.
Over the years while leading many contracts/projects I have introduced the concept and power of a “purposeful contract”. This is a method I use to check in with employees as to their level of commitment/accountability to the goal/project. The contract lists dates and their respective deliverables while at the same time asking the employee if they are fully “IN” (committed). Once all people have indicated their 100% commitment, together we sign the contract. This is how I sell the ultimate benefit and success of the “purposeful contract”.
There are probably many issues that human resource managers would have with using “purposeful contracts”. Bottom line if the “purposeful contract” can be introduced and sold in a way that is healthy, beneficial to people, the company and its clients/customers then where is the issue. I have completed 34 projects using the “purposeful contract” and the results are phenomenal - consistently completed contracts significantly under deadline, monies saved, course correction was smooth and easy, the excitement and commitment to deliver on the contract was infectious even more so for the client -.
Getting back to the definitions of accountability, throughout my life, career, and relationships I have come to realize and align with a higher level/meaning of accountability. Simply put…
Accountability is the state of knowing without a doubt that you set it all up. Therefore, there is no fault or blame and no right or wrong it simply “IS”.
When I was writing my book "It was ME all Along, the Path to FREEDOM" – The Courage to Accept “What IS” and be Accountable for Results”. At the time I knew that the subtitle had to be “The Courage to Accept What IS and be Accountable for Results” as in my life this notion has always provided an amazing level of freedom especially when I accepted the “What IS” in every part of my life. The courage to stay at this level has been so freeing… My results are my results.
For example, I didn’t really need to sit around thinking endlessly about why I got fired in the early part of my career. Well actually I did! 😊 The simplest thing for me to do was to have accepted that I did make some bad choices, I did not deliver some tasks on time and my boss was correct in firing me… This is freedom, to move on, learn from my results and choose to never let these types of choices happen again.
In my life, I have had several things that have happened that weren’t pretty. I can stand before you all and say, “I set it all up through my thinking, my behaviors, my judgements and attitude.” I do own 100% all my results and what I created no matter how devastating these situations were, bottom line I made the choice based on who I was at the time. So at that time, I chose to improve and work on myself, my mental models, and my level of commitment. My reality shifted!
To have accountability means to have the Courage to look at your results and OWN them as you set it all in motion. When you can come from this place then there is no need to assign blame or fault or make things wrong or right… it just IS. With this thinking you become masterful in all you do. Your inner magnet guides you to keep on keeping on. To places and opportunities that has you master the next challenge and results!
And when your inner magnet lets leaders know that through your example lives a high level of personal accountability, be ready for what comes next!!!
My books offer insights and pathways to the courage to take on your level of personal accountability … They are available on Amazon in paperback, Audible and Kindle formats. "It was ME all Along, the Path to FREEDOM" and "The Dolphin Lady, the Story of a Unique Relationship”
