An “I-Day” Education on Personal Accountability

It’s amazing what you can learn within the confines of a precious hour. Within the first hour of being sworn in as a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy I had learned what was then called the “5 Basic Responses”. They were basically, the only acceptable words that could proceed from a newly minted Plebe’s mouth when addressed by an upperclassman. Time has proven that those “5 Basic Responses” were the bedrock of personal accountability, trust and integrity that sets high achievers (not just military or academy grads…but all high achievers) apart from those who are comfortable making excuses and 'passing the buck'. 

In many ways that precious first hour of July 6th, 1978 is still paying dividends. Not only did it mark the beginning of my Naval Academy experience but the foundation of personal accountability that was instilled there has enabled me to excel in areas that would otherwise have been unattainable. Lessons learned…. Lessons kept... Lessons leveraged.

“Yes Sir!” – Let your yes mean yes. You either did or you didn’t. You either do or you don’t. You either will or you won’t.  If additional information is required of you it will be requested. No need to write a book when a simple “yes” will suffice. 

“No Sir!” – Let your no mean no! You either did or you didn’t. You either do or you don’t. You either will or you won’t.   If additional information is required of you it will be requested. No need to write a book when a simple “no” will suffice. 

“Aye Aye Sir!” – A Navy expression indicating that an order has been received, is understood, and will be carried out immediately. Basically, “…you can count on me to accomplish the task that I have been assigned.”

“I’ll find out sir!” – This response acknowledges there is no crime in not knowing something but choosing to remain in the dark about a subject when the light is available is unacceptable. Hold yourself accountable for closing the knowledge gaps in your life.   

“No Excuse Sir!” – This acknowledges that making a mistake is forgivable but making excuses and/or not owning up to mistakes is not. Own and learn from your mistakes then quickly move on as life and the opportunities it presents are waiting for you to re-engage with the wisdom that accompanies lessons learned.