I wrote about Ownership sometime back and its a super crucial trait. Today I write about two critical traits: accountability and dependability. These qualities are not just desirable; they're foundational to your success in any workplace. Let's explore what they mean and how you can develop and showcase them effectively.
Understanding Accountability and Dependability:
Accountability means owning your actions, decisions, and their outcomes. It involves being responsible for your work and being transparent about both successes and failures. Its the "leave it with me and I will get it done" aspect of you. Dependability, on the other hand, is about being someone others can rely on. It's consistently delivering quality work and meeting commitments. I can only quote Bollywood actor Salman Khan in the movie Wanted, "Maine ek baar commitment kar di, fir main apne aap ki bhi nahin sunta!!" South star Vijay did a similar take in the Tamil movie BEAST.
Building Accountability and Dependability:
- Agree on Clear Goals: Define your objectives clearly and break them down into manageable tasks. Set deadlines for each task and hold yourself accountable for meeting them.
- Communication is Key: Keep your colleagues and supervisors updated on your progress. If you encounter obstacles or delays, communicate them promptly and propose solutions. No surprises please!! One of my favorite lines with some of the folks I deal with "Once I give you a task, I become your secretary" :-) They never revert, you have to always ask about progress or lack of it. And finally - Be a Problem Solver rather than a Problem Reporter.
- Own Up to Mistakes: When you make a mistake (and everyone does), own up to it. Take responsibility, learn from it, and take steps to rectify the situation. " I don't know" is an OK statement to make rather than try and obfuscate and thereby irritate a leader. "I am sorry. I goofed up on that report. Let me send it to you in the next 2 hours" is OK provided you send it in the next 90 minutes. Fail fast, course correct and move on.
- Be Proactive: Don't wait for instructions; take initiative. Look for opportunities to contribute beyond your assigned tasks and anticipate potential problems before they arise. Anticipation is a huge plus. And this comes with deep empathy. Someone once told me, "Its Ok to ask for Forgiveness rather than wait to seek Permission"
- Consistency Matters: Consistently deliver high-quality work. Your reliability in meeting expectations will earn you trust and respect from your colleagues. And when you do deliver, make sure its known far and wide, discreetly. Over time consistency will become a habit and more often than not you will meet expectations.
Demonstrating Accountability and Dependability:
- Meeting Deadlines: Always strive to meet deadlines, even if it means putting in extra effort. This shows your commitment and reliability. My wife would strive to be on time every single time to the college where she was a Principal. I am sure she could have cut herself some slack if she wished to, but No!! And if for some reason you know you will miss a deadline, do inform well in advance. It will demonstrate that you care about deadlines and more importantly alerts the stakeholder about things not happening as committed so that they can initiate a Plan B if needed.
- Taking Initiative: Volunteer for projects or tasks, and don't be afraid to offer suggestions or solutions. Proactively seeking ways to contribute demonstrates your accountability and dedication.
- Seeking Feedback: Actively seek feedback from your peers and supervisors. It shows that you're committed to improvement and willing to learn from your experiences.
In conclusion, accountability and dependability are not just buzzwords; they're qualities that will set you apart as a professional. By consciously developing and embodying these traits in your work, you'll not only earn the respect of your colleagues but also pave the way for your own success.
