How Can I Be More Accountable At Work?

Picture of By Darren Finkelstein
By Darren Finkelstein

The Accountability Guy®

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Being Accountable

If you have recently started to work in a company that practices accountability, it will be a huge challenge for you to adapt to this habit. It will be even more challenging for you if you previously worked in a company with no accountability.

Undoubtedly, this can be a huge leap for you as this can be a difficult habit to inculcate.

But don’t worry! This article will give you the insight you need to make your shift into accountability a smooth one.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

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What Is Accountability?

Before we dive right into the main topic, you will first need to understand what accountability is.

Being accountable is the habit of taking responsibility for your actions. Not only does it involve your failures, but it includes your success, your daily workload, your business relationships with your colleagues, higher executives, your career, and so on.

While it sounds like something that you can do easily, most of us struggle with this change.

 

How Can You Be More Accountable At Work?

The first step to being more accountable for yourself is taking responsibility for your actions in the workplace. It would help if you took responsibility for all your daily tasks, workload, conversations, and so on.

But where and how do you start? Listed below are five ways you can work on improving your accountability in the workplace!

 

Prioritize Your Tasks

The first thing you learn is the importance of prioritizing. You may have ten tasks every day, maybe even more. So how do you know which tasks are most important? By learning how to prioritize!

Go through your task list and spend a few minutes identifying which are the minor and major tasks. Once you have your list prioritized, give your full attention to the major tasks as you are accountable for your own work.

Focus On The Results

If you want to be more accountable in your workplace, you will need to start voicing your opinions, especially when it comes to your tasks. Sure, you might not have direct responsibility for your tasks, but you certainly influence them all.

For example, let us assume one of your tasks is to work with material suppliers. Even though you are not the person who signs the final contracts, you will still be the person who makes the most contact with them and maintain a relationship; therefore, this too will fall under one of your responsibilities.

At any point in time, if you feel the current suppliers are not working out, let your superiors know. This way, you can also help your company to save a few bucks.

Be Honest

One of the most important factors of accountability is to honest. Even if you fall short on your work, never hide it or lie about it. Be honest and upfront instead of playing the blame game.

However, you should also take steps to rectify your mistake. Use it as a stepping stone to correct the mistake and improve yourself. If you need the help and guidance of your seniors, make sure to express your concerns and seek their advice.

It might not be fun to be accountable for your shortcomings. However, it is very important if you want to scale the ladder of success in your business.

Start Training Yourself

The task of incorporating accountability in your workplace is not easy. Therefore, make sure to practice right from day 1. Task each task seriously and train yourself to prioritize and dedicate yourself to it fully.

When the other employees in your company and higher authorities see you training to be accountable, you will earn the reputation of being a valuable, trustworthy employee in the company.

                                              

Parting Thoughts

When it comes to accountability, you need to keep in mind that accountability starts with you even in the workplace. It may not be easy to include this behaviour in your everyday schedule, but perfection comes with a good amount of training and practice!

Moreover, being accountable helps to earn a good name for you in the industry, which will help you reach greater heights in the future.

So make sure to flesh this one out, and you will be sorted in no time!