On Accountability
There are myriad reasons why the coaching industry has exploded in growth over the past decade. Only one reason, however, sticks out in my mind: Accountability.
One of the chief roles of a coach—whether in sports, business or life—is to keep his coachee accountable to his goals, personal standards and what he says he will do.
Accountability has always been a desired attribute of an achiever, but today’s wired world of infinite distraction makes accountability even more important—and more rare.
You’re in trouble if your friends, colleagues, investors or customers do not perceive you as someone accountable. Without accountability, your relationships deteriorate and your opportunities diminish (positive word of mouth decreases and negative word of mouth increases).
Here are a few reminders for upholding a high level of accountability:
- Follow up. If you tell someone you’re going to get back to them with the desired information by the day’s end, do it. If you can’t deliver the information, update the person in a timely manner.
- Be responsive. Although there’s no standard guide, do your best to respond to email and phone requests within 24 hours—although less is preferred. (This doesn’t mean you have to respond up to the minute. Block off correspondence time each day.)
- Do your best work. If you don’t set high work standards, people will assume you don’t have them.
- Take responsibility. When you screw up—and we all do from time to time—admit it. Apologize, but don’t tell your “story” or give excuses. Just own the error and charge forward.
Accountability is demonstrated through your actions, but also through your overall way of being in the world.
Your high level of accountability will inspire and influence those around you.
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