The word accountability seems to be more and more present now a days. Maybe it was always spoken around me but it fell on deaf ears. Accountability was not part of my vocabulary and I paid no attention to it. Nowadays, my ears ring whenever I hear it. Like a school bell that indicates, pay attention. After hearing it a lot and studying what it actually means, it’s now part of me and part of my vocabulary. I hold myself accountable for my work and actions.
Accountability taught me to remove blame of others. It removes the “but” factor - I could of finished this on time but…That saying does not help me or anybody else. It just leaves the situation as is with the work incomplete. If something does not work out as planned, whether I’m leading or not, it’s on me to figure out why it didn’t happen. What could I have done differently? Could I have had that extra discussion? Could I have sent the reminder email? Without accountability I wouldn’t think of these questions because I would blame others. I would think they should be the one to figure it out. With accountability I learned it’s the little things that move the project forward.
When I am accountable for my actions, I am more focused, committed to perform and achieve the end results because I don’t want to explain why I couldn’t complete the project. I also feel ownership and the responsibility of the results regardless if I’m leading the project or not. Whatever my role in the project, it will be done to the best of my abilities. Accountability made me realize that any part of a project is important and part of the overall success of the project.
Accountability takes away the stress of what other people are doing because you are strictly focusing on everything that you can control. You can only do so much and as long as you give it all you got, you did your part.
I realized what impact I had on my team members when I started taking accountability for my tasks. I noticed they were accountable for their tasks. My mindset had shifted. My explanations to team members were better and clearer. Instead of stating what needed to be done, I expanded and explained how the project is tied to our vision. I noticed accountability opens up honest, respectful communication between myself and colleagues. Team members are more comfortable approaching me and others for their lack of commitment or lower performance when accountability is present amongst team members.
The honest and respectful communication amongst team members show they care about the work others are doing and how it impacts their work. That led to team members not wanting to let each other down and ask for help when needed.
This started with me as a leader. I have to hold myself accountable for everything I do and lead by example. It’s not easy and I sometimes catch myself playing the blame game. Nevertheless, I’m glad my colleagues are there to have the honest conversation with me when I do. It’s hard to hear at first but very much appreciated afterwards. Don’t blame others, see how you can improve the process next time. Be accountable.
Take care.