Great Leaders Are Accountable

Accountability – the willingness to take ownership of decisions, actions, and outcomes – is a key cornerstone to effective leadership. So, how do you develop both the mindset and the skillset of a highly accountable leader? Let's jump into it and find out!

What is the Accountability Mindset

This mindset involves learning to take ownership of your choices, actions, and outcomes. It is literally saying, "I am responsible," "I own this," and "That was my fault."

Taking ownership and being accountable also means you don't blame or criticize others -- that's simply no longer part of your mindset. And, because you take ownership and don't blame others, you don't shy away from setbacks. You recognize them as a chance to learn, grow, better communicate, and try again -- but smarter.

How to Develop the Accountability Mindset

There are two key components to developing this mindset. First, adopt and regularly say aloud these key phrases: "I am responsible," "I own this," and "This is my fault." That's where ownership and accountability begin.

Second, eliminate blaming, finger pointing, and criticizing. These natural tendencies are the antithesis of accountability. Becoming Your Best often shares a "21-Day Challenge" with this leadership principle, which is an invitation to eliminate any and all blaming, finger pointing, or criticizing for 21 days. Try it out, it is transformational!

The Accountability Skillset

Here are some key skills to develop accountability and be more accountable:

• Pre-Week Plan: Take ownership of your time and your priorities by pre-week planning. Look at life through the lens of roles, and take ownership for what will get done and prioritized during the week for each role, and then own the execution.
• Delegate Effectively: Empower your team by delegating tasks effectively. This ensures everyone is working to their strengths and creates a sense of ownership among team members. Use "The Six-Step Process" to develop a plan of who will do what by when and regularly hold updates for reporting and accountability.
• Communicate Openly: Openly discuss plans, deadlines, goals, expectations, and progress. Actively listen to feedback and address concerns quickly. And, communicate with kindness, clarity, and transparency.

Wrapping Up

By developing and improving this mindset and skillset, you will be a highly accountable individual and leader. You will inspire accountability in those around you and create a highly accountable culture. Trust, performance, integrity, morale, communication, and results will all improve! And that's becoming your best!

"Responsibility equals accountability, accountability equals ownership, and a sense of ownership is the most powerful thing a team or organization can have." Patricia "Pat" Summitt (Winningest Women's College Basketball Coach)

Learn more about Becoming Your Best here: BYB Homepage

View past newsletters on leadership and productivity here: Newsletter Archive

Subscribe to the BYB podcast here: Podcast Subscription

Subscribe to get the BYB newsletter via email here: Newsletter Subscription