Last week, I discussed how to recognize the signs that you might not be holding yourself accountable. I got quite the volume of responses in my email! Folks, accountability is a bit like the secret ingredient in my husband’s favorite BBQ sauce recipe. It makes everything better! But it’s not always easy to put your finger on exactly what’s missing when it’s not there. So, let’s look at some additional ingredients – some additional indicators that you could be more accountable to yourself and others.
Are you shuffling the responsibility deck? Do you, like a card shark, continuously shuffle your responsibilities so others can’t see the progress you’ve made (or not made) on certain projects? Do you pawn off the bottom of your deck to others without proper delegation? Be clear about your commitments, and don’t be afraid to say no to things you don’t have time for.
Do you repeatedly miss deadlines? Missing deadlines is disrespectful to everyone else working on a project or waiting on what you are providing for them. It also sends a message that you cannot be depended upon. Whether meeting project milestones, paying receivables on time or honoring commitments made for information, respect deadlines that have been set and work to meet them every time.
Do you blur the lines of communication? Effective communication is the lifeblood of accountability. If your communication lines are fuzzy, it should be a red flag to you. The Colonel used to say, “Do what you say you’re gonna do when you say you’re gonna do it or keep your mouth shut to begin with.” Make sure your actions match your words.
In the grand scheme of things, recognizing when you’re not accountable is not always easy. But, paying attention to warning signs can help you stay on top of things before they get out of your control.
Read Lauren’s Whitepaper on The Nine Essentials of Significant Leadership.
