What is Accountability in a Changemaking Conversation?
- Explicit Commitment: Clearly stating what will get done and by when.
- Defined Steps: Outlining the next 1-2-3 steps that will be taken toward the intended action, goal, or objective.
- Ownership: Taking responsibility for the immediate next action(s).
- Support Network: Engaging a network of supporting peers on your action journey.
- Retrospective: Regularly reviewing and reflecting on the progress made.
How to Practice Holding Accountability in Your Conversations
- Explicit Commitment Make clear and specific commitments during your conversations. Ensure everyone knows who is responsible for what and by when.
- Define Next Steps Break down the goals into actionable steps. Outline the first few steps that need to be taken to move toward the desired outcome.
- Ownership Take personal responsibility for your tasks. Encourage others to take ownership of their parts as well.
- Support Network Build a network of peers who can provide support, feedback, and motivation. Share your commitments with them to create a sense of shared responsibility.
- Retrospective Regularly review progress. Reflect on what has been accomplished, what challenges have arisen, and what adjustments need to be made.
Self-Reflection on Accountability
Consider how you currently hold yourself and others accountable in your conversations. Think about ways you can improve this practice to ensure more effective and impactful interactions.
Questions for Reflection:
- How Do You Make Explicit Commitments? Reflect on your process of making clear commitments. Are they specific and time-bound?
- How Do You Define Next Steps? Evaluate how well you break down goals into actionable steps. Are they realistic and achievable?
- How Do You Take Ownership? Consider how you take responsibility for your actions. Do you follow through on your commitments?
- How Do You Engage Your Support Network? Think about how you involve your peers in your accountability process. Do you seek their support and feedback?
- How Do You Retrospect? Reflect on your process of reviewing progress. Do you regularly evaluate and adjust your actions?
Practicing accountability is essential for driving meaningful progress and achieving goals in your conversations. By committing explicitly, defining steps, taking ownership, engaging a support network, and retrospecting regularly, you can foster more effective and changemaking dialogues that create more alignment, action & accountability for your peers and teams.
