Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody

There was an essential task that needed to be completed. Everybody was invited to assist. Everybody was certain Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody was irritated since it was Everybody’s job. Everybody assumed Anybody could do it, but Nobody realised that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

I'm not sure who wrote this tale initially, but every time I read it, I say to myself, who wants to work in this sort of culture??What does it take to embed and foster a culture of accountability?

I'll explain in a moment, but first its important to understand what it means to live a true life, every day.

Why accountability is my word of the year for 2023

Each year I chose a word of the year and for 2023 Accountability jumped out to me as the word of the year for 2023.?

Choosing a word of the year helps me to clarify and focus on who I want to be and what I want to accomplish in the next year. It serves as a mental mentor for me.?

Simply possessing a word is not enough. It does not mean that my journey through the rest of the year will be easy. It is, however, instilled in me on a daily basis as I question myself.

• Is it visible to me and my network??
• Am I continuously evaluating my behaviours to ensure they are consistent ?
• How does it affect my behaviours
• How do I feel about it
• How am I experiencing it
• I am owning it

I defined my word of the year as actions speak louder than words and it’s already making a difference. My actions are much clearer, more significant, and more regular.

I’m owning my choices. The rewards (yes accountability is all about reward)?are accelerating the motivation to succeed.?

It takes 21 days to form a habit. That means 17 positive accountable habits will be generated in 2023.

With a mindset of accountability, there is no blame. Individuals accept full responsibility for their actions and outcomes.?We move forward by reviewing, reacting and resetting.

The primary reason accountability has historically been seen adversely and forced upon.?

This is all down to the pressure 'to do' because of someone else’s agenda and this is not effective or sustainable. It lacks innovation, creativity and spirals culture one way – downward.

Accountability is fun and rewarding

I'm sure you've heard of Wordle, the game in which you must guess a word in six attempts. A friend highlighted his children's school ride sharing programme. Everyone is playing Wordle, competing to see who can build the longest string, which families can make the longest string, and whose ride shares have the longest combined string.

It's all in good fun, but at the heart of the game is accountability. If you miss one day, your string will be cut off. Accountability. There is no hierarchy, and everyone is aware of their particular responsibilities.

Above all, the friend stated that everyone is assisting one another, exchanging information, and communicating. Indeed, ride sharing has evolved into something to look forward to at the start and end of the day, rather than a time sink for parents.

How to foster a healthy accountability culture

My success is centred around?assisting others to make a difference and, in doing so, having a good influence on those around them - creating a better culture.?People-blaming does not produce amazing results; accountability, on the other hand, does.

I see accountability in a very different perspective to blame.?

A culture of accountability fosters strong morale, allowing people to take responsibility of their own situations, to take pleasure in their work, leaders to picture their vision becoming reality.?

According to the Harvard Business Review, in 2020, 82 percent of executives admitted to having "little to no" capacity to properly hold others responsible.

According to Gallup, just 14% of employees believe their performance is handled in a way that encourages them.

It's no wonder that 69 percent of employees don't believe they're living up to their potential at work.

There are several ways to reap the benefits of an accountable mindset both professionally and in your personal life.

• 21-day habit generation – own your choices?https://www.entrepreneurmaestro.com/accountability
• 90-day accelerator – empowering you to achieve an extraordinary meaningful outcome in 90 days?https://www.entrepreneurmaestro.com/

Additionally, you may consider

1. Practice what you teach?- be open and honest about the activities you have committed to.
2. Establish the metrics?– upfront, quantifiable, and unmodifiable, based on substantial intelligent data rather than emotion.
3. Level playing field?— everyone in the business participates in the same accountability 'game.'
4. Accept both positive and negative feedback (providing it is done with a positive intent)
5. Make it a habit?- exchange accountability updates with a buddy or in a team.

Overall, being accountable creates intrigue and compels others to seek you out. It provides the only avenue where you can demonstrate your liberty and ownership.?

Make every day count. What's your word of year for 2023?

Gordon?

Accountability Expert, Mentor and 2022 Global Top 200 Voice on Leadership