We have all heard the words accountability and responsibility time and time again in our everyday lives, but have you ever thought about what they actually mean? Beyond what they mean, have you ever thought about what they look like put into action? Responsibility is something that can be shared with others whether they be coworkers, family members, or a significant other, but only you can be accountable for you. When you realize that you have the power to change the trajectory of your day or even life through being accountable, that’s when true change happens. As human beings, we know that life does not always go as planned and situations arise, but what counts is how we react to those situations. So, step up to the plate. Show up for this thing called life. Start or continue being a team player by taking on responsibility and be accountable to yourself and those around you. It can make a world of difference both professionally and personally.
So now to answer the question you may be wondering as to what being responsible could look like in your own life. Partners in Leadership defines responsibility as, “…answerable or accountable, as for something within one’s power, control, or management.” Responsibility is geared towards tasks and making sure those are taken care of. While our responsibilities can often be overwhelming, take it one thing at a time. One of the greatest things you can do for yourself is something as easy as making a list of what you are responsible for and what needs to get done. Start with the biggest priority first and work your way from there. You may be surprised as to how much can get done when you not only take responsibility for your tasks, but for how you spend your time as well.
Now that you know what responsibility could look like in your life, let’s talk about accountability. Partners in Leadership defines accountability as, “…subject to the obligation to report, explain, or justify something.” Be accountable for the results that you help create. A helpful tip for being accountable- when something goes wrong, don’t take the easy way out by blaming others. Instead, find something you can do to help solve the issue at hand.
We hope this helps you in both your professional and personal life as being accountable and responsible are two pillars to any successful person. We encourage you to continue to challenge your own ideas and continue to become the best version of yourself. We’ll leave you with a quote to think about today and into your future endeavors
“Every person must stand up and be accountable, but be responsible for their actions” -Martin Luther King Jr.
