Exploring ACCOUNTABILITY
Barry Lewis Green
Educator, Speaker, Coach, Writer, Creator ... advancing Character Leadership and Education ... to move forward together, stronger ... engaging change.
This is the third of 119 days exploring Character Intelligence.
As I have noted, "Character?is not simply about being "good" or "strong".?Character?is born of the practice of?Virtue, and virtues are myriad in face, facet and form. Character Intelligence, for me, is about seeing those myriad faces, facets and forms (the?Virtues) as arrows in our proverbial quiver, or gears of our manual transmission... and our?Discernment?and?Decisiveness?and?Daring?in applying them where and when?and?with whom needed."
Yesterday, I offered up on Acceptance. Today, we shine some light on...
Accountability
With Accountability ... we take on our Responsibility for our own choices. We practice Humility in facing and addressing our own missed takes; becoming life long learners, and making amends for what we need amend. We discern and decide, weighing the pros and cons... no knee jerk here. And we practice Justice. As part of Speak the Language, the first Strategy of The Virtues Project, it is important to read and reflect on the meaning of Accountability, and its practice. Once again, I suggest such on the Reflection Card above. Read, reflect, ponder and wonder on what Accountability looks like.
With the second strategy being to Recognize Teachable Moments around Character and its practice... I encourage you to ponder and wonder and wander around your life to date.
In what moments and experiences have you learned something about Accountability, by either its practice or absence? What have you learned of your own practice of same? When you have practiced Accountability, what has been its value? What did it take for you to do so? When you did not practice same so much, what were its impacts? What can you take away from your life experience to date that speaks to the value of Accountability, what it looks like, and what it takes? And, from that, what does it take to manifest it ever more so, going forward?
Boundaries and Accountability
The third strategy of The Virtues Project is to Set Clear Boundaries.
As the site states, "Boundaries keep us safe. In The Virtues Project, boundaries are based on virtues. What virtues are needed? How do we practice them? This practice creates clarity and a climate of peace and safety, in all of our relationships-- at home, in school, and in the community. This strategy is needed when we have a problem in any area of our life. Personal boundaries help us to build healthy relationships, and protect our time, our energy and our health." How might Accountability be part of your own boundaries?
For me, as I consider my life at this juncture and forward, I see Accountability as what I call a Guardian Virtue and a Hunter Virtue. These are concepts that I have created over the years, as I needed to better understand my own sense of boundaries.
Guardian Virtues are our "line in the sand" guides... once crossed, we know that there is an issue to be addressed. When they are crossed, we feel some sense of Justice for ourselves or others needs to be faced. They are what I refer to as the "sentinels of safety", standing alert to what matters most to us. I find that we typically have 1-4. Justice is one for me. So is Humanity and Unity. Now, so is Accountability.
That said, Hunter Virtues are those we call on and in to help address the matter. They swoop in, upon their calling, to answer that call and help restore a sense of inner and outer Justice. I have seen Assertiveness as one of mine. Finding our voice matters.
So, in my case, I see Accountability increasingly as a source of both Guardian and Hunter. Going forward, Accountability will ever increasingly be a prime foundation as Guardian and Hunter. It will matter to me in my work and Service and interactions.
What It Means
This does not mean that I will be unforgiving when a proverbial ball is dropped by myself or others. What it does mean is that a deeper sense of Accountability will be expected in myself and in my work with others with whom I chose to serve and work. Secondly, it will also be called upon to address when there is an "alert". It will be used to account and address matters that need addressing. Guardian Virtues and Hunter Virtues are not typically the same, but in this case and for me, they are. Accountability is to be a baseline boundary Virtue, going forward. It will be a foundational brick in my work, play and life. As I am inspired to work and serve in doing my own part for a better world, and future... Accountability will matter ever more so, not as a basis of shame or blame... but as a force for Hell Yeah... and meaning and just cause. That all said, I humbly and respectfully invite you to explore Accountability for your yourself. What does it look like? What does it require?
I suggest that investment of reflection will pay substantial and meaningful dividends.
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LEAD. INSPIRE. EDUCATE. UNITE.
I?am an Activant too; an Educator and Entrepreneur by experience, education and?Enthusiasm... with 40 years in leadership training and development, 27 years in business college education and 20 years certified and associated with?The Virtues Project. Additionally certified for 16 years in Temperament Assessment and with a longstanding body of work around Character Leadership, I help advance?conversation, consultation and capacity around?Character,?Purpose?and?Unity...?and?the?global goals. My work in business and education is to help those building a better world at school, work, business and community; locally and globally.?Humans together, strong.... that is?my?meaning... and?the space I can stay forever. To that?just cause, I commit.