As business owners and entrepreneurs, we are constantly faced with challenges and opportunities. The path to success and personal fulfillment is paved with uncertainty and fear. In these times is when we need to stand up and unlock our true potential moving through the uncomfortable unknown with pose and grace, even when we feel like we will break from the pressure. Accountability is the key to unleashing this power, both personally and professionally. It will take you out of your comfort zone to the unknown and you will be glad you did.
What is accountability?
Accountability refers to the responsibility and answerability of individuals or businesses for their decisions, actions, and outcomes. It involves one being answerable for both success and failures and accepting the consequences as the result of the action taken.
The key components of accountability include (but not limited to):
- Transparency
- Setting clear expectations
- Measurable goals
- Taking responsibility
- Reporting Evaluation
- Consequences
- Continuous improvement
Overall, accountability plays a pivotal role in promoting trust, efficiency, effectiveness for both an individual and business. It is the system used to check that commitments are meet, responsibilities are conducted and lead to an improved performance and a positive impact for individuals and businesses success alike.
How to begin, setting your goals.
Start with setting clear goals for you and your business. Note the period and what you will be achieving by that date. For example, in three (3) years from now you want to have $2 million in revenue annually with a team of six (6) who are highly motivated individuals. Communicate what role each of these team members will have, what do they do to build the business, build out as much detail as possible, think about what if feels like to be you running this business. Starting with your vision first ensures you can see where you are going to then break down the actions you need to take to get there. Without understanding the driver for you, you will not have the transparency to see the path(s) before you nor the clear expectations that need to be met to move with purpose, pose or connection.
Extreme Ownership, the responsibility is yours!
As a business owner, your actions and behaviours set the tone for the brand, team and the entire organisation, no matter the size. When you exemplify accountability in your own actions daily it sends a powerful message to your team and clients encouraging them to follow suit. This however is not limited to just business it leans into your personal life also. Think about being a parent as an example, if you are consistently telling your child not to do something that you do every day, how will this be perceived? They may stop doing it as a child but as they grow up the cycle will likely be repeated as you are their guide in their behavioural learning. There is no difference to running a company. Not every decision you make will be the right one, but when you run with accountability you will be able to review the outcomes and learn from the lessons, even potentially sharing them in your team to show how you lead by example.
Improved Decision Making and productivity.
When individuals are accountable for their actions, we are focused and motived to meet deadlines and produce high-quality work. This leads to increased productivity and effective decision making as it is based on structure and planned outcomes rather than guess work and assumptions.
Tracking progress – wins and learnings
Accountability also involves reflection and tracking of progress through evaluation. This in turn allows us to view the achievements and wins, no matter how large or small and celebrate them in turn boosting confidence and fostering a sense of true ownership.
When we are truly accountable the feeling of accomplishment is more profound. We celebrate success and milestones whilst reflecting on the efforts and determinations that we used to move through the obstacles we faced. Even when setbacks are faced the accountable mindset encourages a growth orientated perspective, allowing us to learn and growing, and ensuring these steppingstones can be used in future endeavours.
The Vital Zone, Growth Zone
True growth and transformation happen when we step out of our comfort zone. A challenge can hold us back or push us past the perceived limitations we have for ourselves. The resilience shining through and acting as the beacon of light to guide us on the journey. Accountability provides the structure and support necessary to encourage us to stretch ourselves far great then we ever thought possible.
Accountability is the cornerstone of a successful business owner, fostering a sense of worth, and encouraging us to lead by example, act, and embrace all the growth opportunities that lay before us. Stepping out of our comfort zone will become a transformative journey of learning, accomplishment, and personal development. Embrace the power of accountability fully and watch yourself flourish like you never have before.
If you are wanting to be supported throughout your journey and are ready to shift into the uncomfortable to grow reach out for an obligation free introductory chat click the link on my website www.daniellesady.com or for those wanting to go slower follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/danielle.sady/
