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Am I accountable enough!

Author Darren Finkelstein
By Darren Finkelstein
The Accountability Guy®

Posted on: 22/03/2023

Home » Am I accountable enough!
Darren

Accountability is a trait highly valued in all aspects of life, whether personal, professional, or social. It is a quality that shows you are reliable, dependable, and trustworthy. Remember that accountability is not a one-time achievement but rather a continuous process. It requires consistent effort and commitment to take ownership of your actions and their consequences. But the question is, are you accountable enough? How do you know if you are responsible enough? 

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Here are some signs that can help you determine your level of accountability at the workplace:

1. You don't make excuses

One of the most important signs of being accountable is not making excuses. It’s easy to blame others or external circumstances for our mistakes but being responsible means taking responsibility for our actions and owning up to our mistakes. If you find yourself making excuses or blaming others for your mistakes, it’s a sign that you may not be accountable enough.

2. You admit your mistakes

Another sign of being accountable is admitting your mistakes. No one is perfect, and we all make mistakes. The key is to learn from them and take responsibility for them. If you find yourself trying to cover up your mistakes or blaming others for them, it’s a sign that you may not be accountable enough. 

3. You take action to correct your mistakes:

Being accountable also means taking action to fix your errors. It’s not enough to admit your mistakes; you must also take steps to rectify them. This action could mean apologizing, making amends, or taking measures to prevent the same error from happening again. 

4. You follow through on your commitments:

Another sign of accountability is following through. If you make a promise, you should do everything possible to keep it. If you frequently break your promises or do not follow through on your commitments, it’s a sign that you may need to be accountable more. 

5. You accept feedback

Being accountable also means being open to feedback. If someone gives you feedback, whether it be positive or negative, it’s essential to accept it graciously and use it to improve. If you find yourself getting defensive or resistant to feedback, it’s a sign that you may need to be accountable more. 

6. You take the initiative

Being accountable also means taking the initiative. If you see something that needs to be done, take the initiative without being asked. If you find yourself waiting for others to act or relying on others to do things for you, it’s a sign that you may not be accountable enough. 

7. You are reliable

Finally, being accountable means being trustworthy. If you make a commitment or promise, you should be counted on to follow through on it. If you frequently let others down or do not fulfil your obligations, it’s a sign that you may need to be accountable more.

So, are you accountable enough? You are on the right track if you exhibit these signs of accountability. But if you need more than one or more of these areas, don’t worry. Accountability is a skill that can be developed with practice and effort.

Here are some tips to help you become more accountable

  • Take ownership of your actions: The first step to becoming more accountable is to take ownership of your actions. Stop making excuses or blaming others for your mistakes. Instead, admit your mistakes and take responsibility for them. 
  • Set goals and follow through on them: Set specific, measurable goals for yourself and plan to achieve them. Then, follow through on your plan and track your progress. 
  • Communicate openly and honestly: Be open and honest in your communication. If you make a mistake or need help to fulfil a commitment, be upfront and work with others to find a solution. 
  • Learn from your mistakes: Use your mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow. Analyse what went wrong and take steps to prevent it from happening again. 
  • Practice self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your actions and behaviour regularly. Ask yourself what you could have done differently and how you can improve. 
  • Hold yourself accountable: Hold yourself responsible for your actions and behaviour. Take your time with others to hold you accountable. Take the initiative to hold yourself to a high standard. 
  • Surround yourself with accountable people: Surround yourself with people who value accountability and hold themselves to a high standard. Their influence and example can help you develop your accounting skills. 

Conclusion

Being accountable is a valuable trait that can help you in all aspects of life. It’s essential to assess your level of accountability and take steps to improve if necessary. By taking ownership of your actions, setting goals, communicating openly, learning from your mistakes, practising self-reflection, holding yourself accountable, and surrounding yourself with accountable people, you can become more accountable and build trust and respect at the workplace.

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