Now, more than ever, we need accountability and integrity at all levels in our organizations, our country and ourselves.
Do you agree? If so, I’d like to hear your thoughts.
Where do we start? The only place we can, within ourselves.
Here’s what I know. Integrity is a way of being. You have it and show it, or you don’t.
Someone who hasn’t been living a high-integrity life can, however, make a decision to change.
Accountability is a choice. It shows up in the decisions we make, not just once but dozens of times a day.
Accountable individuals:
- Take responsibility for what happens
- Communicate openly and honestly
- Show ownership and give one hundred percent
- Do what they say they will and more
- Show initiative, tackle obstacles
- Ask, “how can I contribute?”
- Admit and learn from their mistakes
Here’s what I know. I know people who rate highly in the seven areas above. I love having them as friends, family members, and colleagues. And every one of them shows a high level of integrity.
Because I believe accountability to be a game changer, I wrote a book aimed at leaders and managers.
In this blog, I’d like to initiate what a group conversation about individual accountability. What do you think?
And if you’d like to see what the book is about, here’s more information:
I’m not sure that I agree that accountability is a choice. I believe, rather that it is inevitable: we are all ultimately accountable for our actions. To your points:
– Avoiding responsibility does not shield us from consequences.
– Facts may be obfuscated, but the truth eventually reveals itself.
– The more we sow, the more we reap, and vice versa.
– “Under-promise and over-deliver” is the bedrock of customer relations and prudent risk management.
– If you don’t get the bear, the bear will get you.
– Hear the wisdom of the Little Red Hen.
– Mistakes (and failure) are our friends.
A lot is said about integrity, but really there’s no alternative. What goes around comes around. Call it Karma, action/ reaction- whatever the title, it is like gravity, an immutable natural law.
Terrific comments, thank you!
Accountability is a choice and integrity is a way of bein–the key insights here! Thanks again, Lynne!