It may be a mystery to you as to why any leader would engage the services of a leadership development coach. I don’t have time, I am too busy, what are the benefits are a few of the objections I face as a coach. When we get to it one of the key benefits of coaching my clients tell me is being held accountable for the goals they set.
“Being held accountable is an act of generosity and compassion. It is a gift that someone gives us to correct our wrongs, unlearn, and do better for the sake of our own growth. It might be uncomfortable, but it is worth the discomfort.” – Minaa B.
I have found that when a business owner/CEO/team leader becomes accountable to someone for the implementation of their goals it can have a profound impact on the performance of the company/team/organisation, ultimately translating into the improvement of several key performance indicators.
6 Benefits to being Accountable:
1. Enhanced Focus and Prioritisation: When business owners are held accountable, it necessitates a clear definition and prioritisation of goals. This clarity ensures that efforts and resources are directed toward the most impactful areas of the business. By focusing on your key objectives, you can achieve more efficient use of time and resources, leading to improved operational efficiency and effectiveness.
2. Increased Discipline and Consistency: Accountability fosters a culture of discipline, where regular progress checks and updates are the norm. This consistency in monitoring and reporting your progress helps in maintaining momentum towards achieving your goals. The discipline instilled by accountability ensures that strategies are executed as planned, deadlines are met, and any deviations are promptly addressed, contributing to a more consistent performance.
3. Higher Achievement Rate of Goals: Accountability increases the likelihood of goals being achieved. Knowing that you will report progress to someone else motivates you to follow through on your commitments. This motivation can lead to a more determined effort to overcome obstacles and find solutions to challenges, directly impacting your company’s ability to meet its objectives and improve its performance.
4. Improved Decision-Making: The process of being accountable often involves discussing and reflecting on your progress with your coach, mentor, or accountability partner. These discussions provide valuable insights and feedback, enabling better-informed decision-making. By considering different perspectives and options, evaluating the effectiveness of actions taken, you can make adjustments to strategies, improving your company’s direction and performance.
5. Morale and Team Engagement: Accountability is not just a top-down process; it can permeate throughout the organization, creating a culture where everyone takes responsibility for the company’s success. This shared sense of purpose and responsibility can significantly boost team morale and engagement. When employees see that actions are taken towards achieving goals and that their efforts contribute to your company’s progress, it leads to increased motivation, collaboration, and productivity across your team.
6. Accelerated Growth and Adaptability: Being accountable helps your businesses to quickly identify what is working and what is not, allowing for rapid adjustments and pivots when necessary. This adaptability is crucial in today’s fast-paced environment, where being able to respond to market changes and challenges can be the difference between stagnation and growth. Companies that consistently achieve their goals and adapt strategies as needed are more likely to experience sustained growth.
In summary, accountability in your goal implementation fosters a disciplined, focused, and engaged approach to leadership. It ensures your goals are not just set but are actively pursued, leading to better performance outcomes, including growth, efficiency, and adaptability.
