LEADERS MUST HAVE A PLEASING PERSONALITY
THEY MUST LEARN TO SELL THEMSELVES WELL
• Alasedieima Daniel-Atedoghu
Introduction
According to Merriam-Webster Definition, Accountability
is the quality or state of being accountable; especially an
obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to
account for one's actions.
Sometimes Accountability is used as a synonym for
blameworthiness, responsibility, liability, answerability,
and other terms related to the expectation of account-
giving.
Accountability is a value that is not developed
overnight; it is developed from various moments of
transformation.
What is Accountability?
Accountability:
• is accepting responsibility and reporting back to
accepted responsibility.
• is about following-through.
• is being answerable to a person that has trusted you
with a task or duty.
• is about acknowledging that ones actions affect other
team members’ abilities to accomplish their goals.
• means you will deliver as promised, on-time, within
budget, etc.
• means you are forthcoming even when you fall short.
Types of Accountability
Internal External
Is being accountable to oneself. It is
Is being accountable to others. It
a person’s personal commitment to comes from the outside in. It
be true to their values and to fulfill creates the environment that
their promises. It comes from the people feel obligated to follow
inside out and creates credibility and allows people to fulfill their
that others trust and respect. best intents
Builds trust
Improves performance: It eliminates
the time spent on distracting activities
IMPORTANCE OF
and other unproductive behaviours.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Accountability is a desired Promotes ownership: It effectively
trait. Here are four
important reasons.
teaches people to value their work.
Inspires confidence: It increases skills
and confidence.
Spotting Lack of Accountability
• Some creative excuses that show lack of accountability
o I don’t have enough time.
o If only we had adequate staff (resources, etc.).
o That’s not my job.
o The staff can’t be trusted / are incompetent.
o I don’t know how, anyway the boss didn’t say that.
Instead of focusing on why it can’t be done or wasn’t done, turn your attention to
“What else can we do?”.
8
Lack of Accountability Leads to:
Questionable Ethics
Lack of Trust
Missed Deadlines
Poor Performance
Chronic Inefficiencies
Poor Satisfaction (Customer, etc.)
Poor Safety
Wrap up:
• Accountability starts with you
• You are Accountable
• Accountability is not a one-time thing
• Accountability applies to one and all
• Accountability cannot be delegated
• You have to hold people Accountable
