Accountability

“The right thing to do and the hard thing to do are usually the same.”
Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

Everyone has responsibilities that come with their workplace position, whether you are a blue-collar worker or a white-collar professional. Likewise, everyone can take accountability for their responsibilities within their role. While your responsibilities were assigned to you, being accountable to them is your personal choice. The fruit of your work ethic and character, being accountable is one of the single most important keys to career success.

Characteristics of Accountable People

They consistently keep their word. An accountable person does not drop the oar midstream, making excuses for the result. They do what they promised they would do, in the way they said they would do it, according to the timetable they established.

They care about results. An accountable person does not haphazardly do just enough to get by. They care about their work and take pride in doing it correctly, the first time. They place a high priority on meeting the required standards and going beyond when possible.

They follow through until a task is completed. An accountable person does not “do their job” and then set aside the project. They communicate with the rest of the team, assisting when appropriate, to ensure that the project is completed on time and according to standards or better.

They manage their time wisely. An accountable person neither overcommits nor procrastinates. They take pride in accomplishing their responsibilities on time or early. They also respect the time of others, arriving at appointments promptly and prepared.

They accept responsibility for their mistakes. An accountable person does not roll the blame onto someone else’s shoulders. They recognize where they made an error, acknowledge it, apologize, and take immediate steps to correct it.

They meet the challenges that arise. An accountable person does not give up when unexpected issues create a roadblock. They rise above the situation, taking ownership for finding a way to solve or successfully circumvent the problem without hindering the final product or project completion.

They give credit where credit is due. An accountable person does not steal credit that belongs to someone else. They can be trusted to acknowledge the success of their co-workers, colleagues, etc. Just as they respect and appreciate affirmation for a job well done, they give the same respect and affirmation to others.

Springborn Staffing encourages clients and candidates to be accountable. Contact us today. We will help clients and candidates in the Portland and Bangor, Maine area to connect and be accountable, doing the right thing even when it’s the hard thing.

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