Accountability, Responsibility and Ownership are without a doubt the pillars of success. We know this but I would take this a step further and say that this is also a craft and a habit that needs to be practiced and takes time to be mastered.
So how do I define accountability?
Accountability is taking ownership of results. It is results orientated and about doing whatever it takes to deliver the result or outcome. It’s about follow through, relentless execution and delivering on your promises and the result. Accountability is about taking responsibility for everything that happens as a result of the actions that were taken, not just what you are responsible for.
How does this differ to responsibility?
Responsibility is taking ownership of the activities assigned to you. Responsibility is straightforward, you agree to complete a certain set of tasks, at work this could look like a job description. The problem with responsibility is that it is not focused on the outcome and often if something gets in the way people will lack follow through as they are only responsible for the activity and not the end result.
Ultimately you should take ownership and be both accountable and responsible across the decisions in your work and personal life. One or the other is not enough!
So where does accountability start?
Accountability is hard as it cannot be given to you. Responsibility can but ownership and accountability of the outcome? That is on you! That is where being accountable starts……with you!
But you will inevitably not be enough. I suggest the best way to be accountable it to build a system of accountability. One that starts with you but is supported by a system that reinforces this accountability on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. It’s a system (with internal and external components) that compliments my own drive for accountability. What does this look like?
My accountability system has layers as follows:
All In’ Mindset – Anything I take accountability and ownership for I go all in on. People will often say to me, ‘geez you don’t do anything in halves!’ I think this mindset is key to delivering outcomes. Don’t be afraid to go all in and hold yourself to a higher standard than anyone external can ever do. A recent example of this is that I committed to completing my first Ultra Marathon next year. For me to go ‘All In’ in this area I not only committed to running but deliberately went and bought a bunch of gear for the Ultra run. Having the correct shoes, gear and having made a decent financial commitment drives me to train each day. Everytime I put on the gear I bought or see it, I am reminded (have a trigger) to that commitment. Needless to say, I have ramped up from 40km per month 3months ago, to >160km per month already so I am on track.
Needs Not Wants – If something is a need and not a want you are considerably more likely to make it happen. Find a way to make what you are doing a ‘Need’ and not a ‘Want’. Better yet tie it to your identity as a person.
A Strong Leader – who holds me to a standard of excellence, who is happy to ask the tough questions, check-in and challenge the path and way to the result.
A Team – a team will also hold you accountable but partner with you to achieve results. An accountable team who are locked in around a common purpose cannot be underestimated. I will talk further in an upcoming post about team accountability and how you can build this culture.
Mentors – like a strong leader, a great mentor will not be afraid to hold a mirror up to you for your results, actions and decisions. They will keep you accountable often in the areas you feel the most uncomfortable in as they know you.
Accountability Partners – accountability doesn’t have to come from just your leader, mentor or those in close proximity. Don’t be afraid to have accountability partners for different areas of your life. For example – I use accountability partners to keep me consistent at the gym. (Yes, even though I train everyday I still have people who hold me accountable in this area. Before lockdown I would have my brother come around to train with me multiple days per week. During lockdown I have someone check in with me to see how I am progressing)
Family – there are two people in my family who drive my accountability. Firstly is my wife - she hates people who talk a big game but cannot back it up, (yet she married a salesperson……lol! Luckily, I follow through on what I say I will deliver) however she consistently holds me to account for promises made, goals (we do this yearly) and any other pursuit I am silly enough to say “I am going to do x”. The second person in my family is my Dad. I have spoken about this before but whenever I catch up with him he will question me about the performance of our organisation, the team and any projects we are working on.
Public Accountability – put your goals out there publically. Share them with a group of friends, on socials or with people in your network. Be visible. Own what you are chasing after and put yourself on the hook to deliver.
No matter how disciplined you are (or think you are) in a certain area, having a strong accountability system can make all the difference on the days when you don’t feel like it, are flat or just not at your best.
I have found a system like the above instills ownership, accountability and responsibility if setup correctly with the right team. The right team are people who drive and reinforce accountability and would never accept a story, blame or excuses. They hold you to account. They push you and will work with you to deliver results, question thinking patterns, decisions and help you to see other angles to drive the outcomes you are after.
But don’t forget the buck still stops with you! You cannot blame the accountability system or any of its layers for your downfall. It’s a personal accountability system and it’s yours. Build a robust system and make sure that your behaviour is always above the line each and every day.
You need to understand what type of accountability works for you and harness that as part of your formula.
So now that you have a system, what do you really want to be accountable for?
The above is focused on personal accountability. I will talk more in the coming weeks on how you take this a step further and look at a team accountability and how you can build this into your culture.
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