
I have found that a steadfast accountability to my professionalism, a continued commitment to embrace change, while still keeping a sense of humor, are tantamount to dealing with uncertainty and volatility. Things are getting better, but still uncertain and volatile.
Accountability to ourselves, our customers and our networks can keep us on track. Additionally, when we hold ourselves accountable, we usually have a better sense of when we are NOT on track. Rather than re-acting when it’s already too late, accountability can provide us with the intuition to gauge how our life and career are really going. We can use that intuition to move fast to correct and adjust.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management reports that the positive results of accountability include:
- improved performance
- more participation and involvement
- increased feelings of competence
- increased commitment to the work
- more creativity and innovation
- higher morale and satisfaction with the work
Here are 5 keys that can boost professional accountability:
1. Professional Habits - Follow a daily schedule, time block, prioritize, organize, and delegate. Practice discipline.
2. Following a Process - Have a plan for your intentions, goals and direction and be persistently patient with how it unfolds.
3. Flawless Execution - Be consistent with how you execute your daily process and activities. Be flexible and willing to tweak things as they arise.
4. Consistent Evaluation - Always be reviewing, surveying and getting feedback. Conduct focus groups with your own customers and follow trends.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice - Do all of the things you need to do and are good at that not only come natural for you, but also the things that you dislike, don’t always want to deal with, and don’t come as naturally to you! Practice, rehearse and repeat what makes you effective and gets results.
Are you willing to practice accountability to win?
- Take a personal inventory
- Take better care of yourself
- Hire a career or business consultant or coach
- Prioritize and tackle a few things at a time, that can make the most difference
Abdi Aslani
ARA Business Solutions
President