Accountability

Often, people say: "I don't owe anybody anything" and this statement is true, to a degree.

Some people never believed in you or your dreams, and when you finally got a chance to reap the rewards of all your hard work and sleepless nights, they want a piece of the pie. Truth is, you don't owe them anything.

However, they're those who have always been with you. And they've believed in you even when you didn't believe in yourself. They loved you and cheered you on while others booed and doubted. To those individuals, you owe them. You owe them something that money can't buy, although we often show our appropriation through gifting.

You, as a leader, owe them accountability. That means that when you're wrong, you do not get mad because they called you out in love, but rather you appreciate their honesty. That means you appreciate those who hold you accountable for your actions and remind you of your destiny.

Often, we don't like to be reminded of what we said. It's like having an argument or a debate and someone uses your words against you. In the moment of the debate, they may be taking your words out of context. However, when those who've been with you hold you accountable, they may use what you have said as a mirror - to show you what you are displaying to others.

This is when people then say: I don't owe anybody anything. But you do, accountability.

It's tough when we feel as though no one can hold us accountable. As John C. Maxwell said: "People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision." Often the love people have for the leader is one, where they don't hold the leader accountable. They either think the leader can do no wrong or that there's something they just don't know, some exclusive detail that only the leader is privy to. While this may be the case some of the time, it can't be a shield the leader hides behind, they've got to be able to explain why they took said actions; even if it was a mistake. That much they owe the people around them.

So you don't have an accountability partner? Keep in mind that even presidents have advisors. Their one job is to advise the president on what may or may not be the best course of action. Ultimately, the president is the one with the final say, but they can hold the president accountable by displaying the facts.

An accountability partner is someone willing to keep you accountable. The theory is that if someone other than yourself knows what you need to do or what you want to accomplish, you'll be more motivated to go out and do it so you don't have to justify why you didn't.

Regardless of what your goal may be, create healthier habits, finish a project, start a new business, or spread a particular message, if you're serious about personal or professional development - you should have an accountability partner. But what characteristics or qualities should you look for? Let's consider the following must-have characteristics or qualities of an amazing accountability partner.

1. Invested
2. The best actionability partners are invested in your dreams and goals. That doesn't mean they try to do the work for you, but rather they are equally enthusiastic about seeing you win as much as you want to win. They show y ready and eager to strategize with you. Ready to discuss and analyze the wins and loses, mining them for the golden lessons that will lead to the desired level of success. And they do it all with a nonjudgmental attitude.
3. Nonjudgmental
4. Sharing our wins can be difficult as we don't want to come across as bragging. However, sharing our losses is equally or more difficult as we don't want to be considered as someone who didn't try. Having a non-judgmental accountability partner will help you to consider the lessons in every win and every loss. Even the greatest athletes or sports teams have felt the pain of defeat. Winning feels awesome, but as Rocky Balboa said: “it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward”. Your accountability partner needs to be nonjudgmental because it ain't perfection you're after, it's greatness.
   

3. Cares about your progress.

a. Your accountability partner must possess a genuine desire to see your progress. It should be someone who cares about your progress. Some who ask questions and help you find the lessons that lie hidden in your everyday life. Your progress matters and your accountability partner must be someone who understands how important your goals are to you, and has a genuine desire to see you accomplish them. Otherwise, are they truly invested in your growth?

4. Challenges your dreams…

a. Often, we set the bar low for ourselves. We push ourselves just enough to feel as though we are doing something but not father enough to see real, sustainable change. This accountability partner must change your dreams, helping you see there's greatness in you. You can do more, much more than what you think is possible and your accountability partner must be able to challenge your dreams, without killing them.

5. …but doesn't kill your dreams.

a. Some people can be drill Sergeants, making you always jump through hoops and looking to "toughen you up". The fact is, oftentimes, after we've had a great idea for the future, doubt makes an appearance. When conversing with your accountability partner, they should challenge your dreams, but not kill them. Your accountability partner should be someone that pushes you towards shining as bright as possible. Some goals you'll have will be relatively easy, while others will be challenging, but it's the ones that have a 50/50 chance of being fulfilled that seem scary. It's at that moment that your accountability partner needs to ask the question of "why". Why is this so important to you? 

Final thought.

Accountability is something all leaders need. Some are grounded and have a great circle that keeps them grounded. Others, their circle is failing to keep them grounded or better said, rooted. Rooted to their goals and vision. Rooted to the reality of where they are, how far they've come, and where they wish to go. Rooted in the reality that we all make mistakes, and running away isn't an option; if you run from your problems, you run away from progress.

So who can be an accountability partner?

A friend, a relative, a spiritual leader, or a coach. However, they must possess the aforementioned characteristics, as it is important to surround yourself with someone who will nourish your vision.

Please consider scheduling a FREE 30 minutes consultation. After this discovery session, you'll have a clear strategy for success, and if you'd like, I can be your accountability partner.