The regular process of planning has usually fallen apart by now.  While there are some industries where accountability is very high, many don’t do a very effective job of accountability.  A point to make is that I don’t look at accountability in the same terms we see and read about in the media where some person or organization is “held accountable” for their actions or inactions that have caused harm to someone or something.

My view of accountability is that of positive, mentoring and supportive accountability. The kind of accountability that comes from a personal accountability factor who is as interested in seeing you succeed as much as you.  We all need that guidance from someone who has “skin in our game”.  Finding that person can make the difference between success in reaching your goal or frustration and failure.

When you settle on that individual, explain your goal, explain that you are asking them to make a commitment to helping you succeed and that you will call on them regularly for review. You want them to help you stay on track, to stay focused on your goal, to complete those tasks that you must do to be successful and put you on the road to transforming your organization or yourself!

Finally, when you have reached your goal you MUST do two things.  Thank the people who have helped you reach your goal, especially the person who helped you be accountable and celebrate.  We have so much going on in our lives, to take a moment and write a note (not an email) to say thanks is so powerful.  And celebrating your victories is just darn fun.