Where Has Personal Accountability Gone?

Personal accountability is one of my hot buttons. Nothing fires me up more, than to watch the news, read something or witness the lack of personal accountability. Have you heard about the lawsuits from people that are upset that they did something stupid, but want someone else to take the blame for their actions? Seen the video of the lady that was busy texting on her phone and fell in the fountain? She has a lawsuit out there… How about the boss that blames the team for poor performance and takes not personal accountability for the team’s actions? How about parents that want to blame the teacher for their child’s poor grades or make excuses for not getting homework done (we were busy – insert sport, dancing, cheer-leading or any other excuse)? We see it almost everywhere in today’s society! Notice, I left off the political space – that one is just one big can of worms about no accountability – rather than a lack of it…

We need to start with what is Personal Accountability? Simple definition is being willing to answer … for the outcomes resulting from your choices, behaviors, and actions. Stepping up and owning everything that is under your control – which if it involves you – you are in control!

How to be more accountable?

• Know your role! This one is simple is some areas and not in others. If you are looking at this in the workplace, your manager should have your job description and expectations to help you understand your role. As a parent, it is not always written down for you, but we all know that this is the largest of personal accountability there is. You have your own and your children to worry about. Helping them to completely understand their role and accountability – besides your own. Have you set expectations for the children, much like your boss has for you?
• Honesty is the best policy. You need to be honest to yourself and others. That means setting aside your pride and admitting when you are wrong. Again, it is sometimes easier in certain situations, but really we should be make this a habit!
• Don’t be afraid to say, “you’re sorry.” We don’t wake up in the morning and tell ourselves that we are going to mess up. So, why not say you’re sorry? Made a mistake, it will not happen again or I will try better next time. This is not a sign of weakness! This is truly a strength…
• Never over-commit. We all want to be the best, but we have to watch out for over-committing ourselves. When we take on too much, there will always be something that falls through the cracks. You are going to let someone down. Could even be yourself!  When you are in the workplace, you can spend time communicating with your manager about priorities and your time. What do you do in the role of parent? Trying to be super-dad, super-mom or super-grandparent? Do you spend the same amount of time, planning your home life as your work life? Something to think about!
• Be flexible to changing. We are not perfect! As we learn and experience new things, we need to grow and adapt. If you are trying something new and what you are doing is not working well you must change. When to change? As soon as you see the desired result is not getting done. If waiting to help with homework is an after dinner item – and your schedule is overfull and the time between dinner and bedtime is too short – well, adjustments need to happen.

Next time you are in a situation or watching a situation unfold, step back and look at everything differently. Take a moment or two to help teach yourself and others what personal accountability is and how it is a powerful skill to demonstrate.

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