ac·count·a·ble
ADJECTIVE
(of a person, organization, or institution) required or expected to justify actions or decisions; responsible:
"parents could be held accountable for their children's actions"
Throughout the work day I often hear my colleagues talking about “holding other people accountable”. As I think about the attribute of accountability, I think it is a myth that any of us can “hold” another person accountable. Honestly, when I hear this now it is a little like fingernails on a chalkboard to me.
Can we really control someone else? I believe if we are honest with ourselves the answer is NO. Now don’t get me wrong, we certainly can influence others – we just cannot control anyone but ourselves. The irony about influence is that influence is more about us than the person we are trying to influence.
I believe accountability is up to us as individuals and leaders. The good news is that if we demonstrate “accountable” behaviors in the presence of others, they will often follow. Our ability to ask ourselves “what more can I do to get results?” when we are tempted to blame a situation or a person for not achieving the results we hoped to is really how we hold ourselves accountable.
I
believe accountability is an “inside-out” behavior. The quote that often comes to mind when I think about accountability is Mahatma Gandhi’s phrase, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” The best way to influence others to be accountable is be the role model for accountability ourselves.
If you are a people leader you are likely questioning me at this time. “What do you mean we cannot hold others accountable? Isn’t that our job as leaders?” Like so many things in leadership command and control only goes so far. Influence, through example, is a much more powerful and sustainable approach to leadership.
We have to tune our ears to hearing the difference between “victim” and “accountable” language. Can you hear the difference in your own language? Do you blame circumstances or people for things that are not going well or do you work with others to figure out how to get things done? If we use “victim” language the people around us will to, however, if we use “accountable” language that can influence others to be more accountable.
Ask yourself, what more you can do to influence a culture of accountability?
