Accountability - Part 2
by Tom Pryor
Do you have a one-on-one accountability partner in your personal and professional life? If not, it's likely due to one of five reasons:
- You didn't realize the importance of having an accountability partner;
- You don't want to be held accountable;
- You don't know who to ask to be your accountability partner;
- You don't know what to do when you meet with an accountability partner; or,
- You see the need for accountability but are procrastinating.
I have had one-on-one accountability several times in my life. Each time was an apex of both professional achievement and spiritual growth. I was very fortunate to have mentors during most of my ten years with Johnson & Johnson. Both John and Ron coached and counseled me on what to do and what not to do. And more importantly, they walked their talk. Good accountability partners lead by example, not by just words, e.g. Do as I say, not as I do.
Today Brian is my primary accountability partner. My wife has a say as well! As chairman of the elders in our church and controller of a large law firm, Brian holds me accountable, both personally and professionally, to God's standards. And vice-versa. It's a mutual covenant. We challenge each other to improve. And we pray for eachother's needs.
Do you need and want an Activity Based Management (ABM) accountability partner?
Here are three questions to consider, whether it be for your ABM system or your personal life:
1.
Who should I ask?
No matter whether you already have an ABM system
or are simply contemplating implementation, spend a few days creating a potential
list of names. The more the better. While it would be best for this person to
be nearby, don't overlook qualified partners that are only a phone call or E-mail
away. If you need ideas, E-mail me at TomPryor@ICMS.net.
Contemplate the names. One or two may surface as the best candidates. Then interview
them. Tell them that you're looking for someone to meet with regularly. Either
monthly or quarterly, depending on what works best. Share with them your written
goals. Ask them if they feel qualified and interested in (a) holding you specifically
accountable for achieving your written goals and (b) generally accountable to
a pre-defined list of ABM Accountability Questions e.g. "Have you taken time to
celebrate activity improvements during the past quarter?" or "Have you exaggerated
ABM-driven cost savings?" For a FREE copy of the complete list of ABM Accountability
Questions, send an e-mail to tompryor@icms.net.
2.
What should I do?
Accountability meetings are simple. You don't
necessarily need an agenda. Your accountability partner should ask you three types
of accountability questions:
a. Goal Accountability … How are you doing in meeting your list of written goals?
b. Specific Accountability … Is there a specific event or issue you would like to discuss? Use a pre-defined list of ABM Accountability Questions to specifically target new issues. The questions also can serve as an icebreaker and roadmap.
c. General Accountability … Are you concerned about anything in general?
3.
When should I do it?
Maybe you already know who to ask and what
to ask. If so, then why haven't you started your accountability meetings? The
most common excuse is procrastination. You have the best intentions but you haven't
gotten around to doing it. If that's the case, then you've just made the best
argument as to why you need an accountability partner. Procrastinators need accountability.
It's time to change all that. Start today! Create your list of accountability
partner names and accountability questions. If you need ideas for both, send an
E-mail to TomPryor@icms.net.
The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little "extra". An accountability partner can help you achieve that extra. Has your organization committed to implementing Activity Based Management this year only to forget the goal within a few weeks? Or, has your management team set an objective of expanding ABM continuous improvement training to include all employees but you don't know who to call or what to do? You need an ABM Accountability Partner. The benefits of ABM and ABC are lost every day you defer implementation and improvement. Are you ready to make an ABM commitment? If so, give me a call. I'll hold you accountable.
Send comments about this article to Tom Pryor at TomPryor@icms.net.
Or, call ICMS to talk to someone about your ABM needs... (817) 483-6511.
If this article has inspired you and your organization to cut costs this year, call us at 817-475-2945, or e-mail your needs to tompryor@icms.net.
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