In Monday’s Biz $ense Blog we discussed the idea of accountability as a key to performance, and to growth. Unlike responsibility, it is not assigned to you with a new promotion or position; it is something you take upon yourself. Sure – it can and is often expected of you- though expectations of it do not necessarily make it so.

Accountability is about a personal choice, and the manner in which you conduct yourself. Some believe it’s a personal quality or attribute. Ultimately, accountability shows up as a steadfast reliability with, and to, others.

Here’s our 4 tips to get you an “A” in Accountability:
1. Make your choices and agreements thoughtfully. Over-committing and acquiescing lend to diluting accountability, as you can’t possibly keep up with everything, at least not for long and still perform well. This means you need to learn how to say, no, sorry… my plate is full; or, I’d love to but I am already committed…Please check back next time. With your boss, discuss what you are working on and the due dates – then negotiate what can be delayed to meet the new requirement.
RULE—Never make an agreement if you don’t intend to follow through.

2. Once you have given your word – keep it.

3. If you must break or renegotiate an agreement or expectation, immediately surface it (vs. ignoring it, overlooking it, or justifying it later through defensive reasoning. That makes for two mistakes, not just one!)

4. Own the results and outcomes- good or bad. Most errors are not deal-breakers; so, if things don’t go as well as planned, remember that what’s most important is lessons learned and improvement opportunities. Identify those and what you will do differently next time as a result.

Being accountable will ‘promote’ you, as your word and work will speak to it. This will differentiate you from many others (“the sayers” vs. “the make it so’ers”). And people will extend you trust and more opportunities. For businesses and organizations, individual accountability is critical for a culture of accountability – which is driver for producing results. And naturally, when accountable, there is a draw to improve in what we are doing…this lends to growth. We reference it as the cycle of accountability.

Here’s to yours!

Copyright 2010 Kubica and LaForest

Doing what you say you will do, when you say you will do it, to have the results expected – without having to be prodded, reminded, or rewarded. Sounds pretty simple and straightforward – right? Well, not exactly.

We find too many examples in business of “yes, I’ll get that done – no problem”. Followed by missed deadlines and sometime ingenious excuses or avoidance. The bottom line is – a promise not delivered; a deadline not met, business results not yet achieved.

Accountability is not something the boss asks for (or requires) and the subordinate complies with or negotiates. Accountability is not dependent on whether you are the boss, peer or subordinate. It is not positional. Accountability is a value and shows up as a personal trait. It is who you are, not what or who you are told to be. Some people have it naturally, others acquire it, and many (in our experience) don’t really believe it is that important, as demonstrated by their saying so, but not behaving so.

You cannot effectively build or grow a small business if even one person does not hold themselves accountable for results. Larger businesses are also impacted, but the layers of redundancy can hide it for a while, though at a great cost to the business – and to its customers.

Partnerships and small businesses by definition and economic reality are small and resource constrained. To support growth, everyone must contribute without being told what to do or when to do it. If the latter occurs, there may be a tendency to hire another person to pick up the slack. This is a wrong solution. Quick correction of the unaccountable individual is, or ultimately, replacement of them, is the correct solution.

So in business, how do you get an “A” in accountability?

Self-accountability – hold yourself accountable to produce results daily. (and expect it of your co-workers and workers)

Accountability has other beneficial effects: it increases the energy and excitement about your work, and as you complete more and produce more results, you build confidence; and it builds trust: both critical ingredients to business growth – especially in the early years.

In Thursday’s Quick Tips, we will provide ideas on how to demonstrate accountability and insure that it exists in your business.

Copyright 2010 Kubica and LaForest