A Value Of Accountability

When we discussed our working together, one of my favorite clients explained that he wanted to be able to talk confidentially with someone outside his company, someone without an agenda, someone he knew he could trust.

An equally important reason he sought a business coach may have been that he wanted to feel accountable. He said he is full of ideas, good ideas, but often, because of the demands of his business and his desire to spend quality time with his family and friends and take good care of himself, he sometimes just does not make the time to act on his good ideas.

My client asked that I help him set priorities, e.g. which of his ideas could have the biggest impact on his success and the success of his people, and that I then help him set time frames and target dates, a basis on which he could then report back to me. He asked that I hold him accountable, as he knows the responsibility will significantly increase the likelihood of his following through.

I understand his thinking as I, myself, know I do better if I feel accountable to my physical trainer or my doctor about my exercise, weight control and personal care.

How are these for revealing statistics? I recently read research that concluded:

• The likelihood of someone following through on an idea is 10%;
• yet, if that person with the idea actually creates a plan to do it, the likelihood increases to 50%;
• and if that person not only makes a plan, but she or he also establishes a sense of accountability, for example, to a boss, a business associate or a coach, the likelihood of getting it done increases to 95%.

Amazing! How powerful is that?

My call to action: pick one of your high potential ideas, create your plan, set up a sense of accountability with someone with whom you have comfort and who will call you out on following through.

Get ready to experience great satisfaction and gain the benefits of your high impact idea.