11: Accountability series - Actually it is YOU, not them
Jul 15, 2019
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Learn how to hold others accountable by setting clear expectations and following up effectively. Explore the role of consequences in shaping behavior and building trust. Dive into the discomfort of enforcing consequences and the importance of keeping your word in relationships.
Take full responsibility for ensuring commitments are delivered to foster a culture of accountability.
Implement both positive and negative consequences to drive accountability and communicate expectations clearly.
Deep dives
Importance of holding others accountable
One of the key insights from the podcast is the importance of holding others accountable. The speaker emphasizes that instead of complaining about others' non-performance or disappointments, individuals should focus on improving their own ability to hold others accountable. By taking 100% responsibility for ensuring that commitments are delivered, individuals can create a culture of accountability. This involves regular follow-ups, clear expectations, and effectively addressing any misunderstandings to avoid frustration. Setting appropriate consequences, both positive and negative, is also crucial in influencing behavior and fostering accountability in others.
The role of consequences
Consequences play a significant role in driving accountability. The podcast highlights that consequences can be both positive and negative, not just synonymous with punishment. Positive consequences could include expressions of appreciation, rewards, or providing more opportunities. Negative consequences, while requiring thought and consideration, are necessary to communicate that a lack of delivery is unacceptable. It doesn't always mean severe actions like firing someone; it can be as simple as expressing dissatisfaction and not tolerating subpar performance. Creating awareness of what one is willing to settle for and actively addressing it contributes to building a culture of accountability.
Becoming a person of your word
The podcast concludes with the idea that being a person of your word is a fundamental aspect of building trust and intimacy in relationships. The speaker suggests that keeping one's word and holding oneself accountable is an empowering and fulfilling experience, even if others may not always notice. By becoming someone known for reliability and accountability, individuals can foster trust and set a positive example for others. The episode encourages self-reflection on times when one settled for excuses and how to provide feedback and consequences effectively, promoting personal growth and a commitment to keeping commitments.
It is easy to blame others when they do not deliver what you expect. But the responsibility also lies with the asker, person who set the expectations in the first place. This final episode in the accountability series covers what you can do to increase the likelihood that someone will deliver to your expectations, and what you need to do if they do not.