Analysis and Reflection Paper: Crucial Accountability
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Analysis and Reflection Paper: Crucial Accountability
Step 1: Analysis of Test Result
My accountability test results state that I could use some help from the “Crucial Accountability” book. Accountability is an attribute that adheres to specific steps, according to Patterson et al. (2013). Therefore, the score obtained shows that there exists a significant gap in my accountability skills. Overall, my accountability skills are lacking and need to be improved upon. This can be achieved through reading and adopting some of the guidelines and strategies described in the book.
According to Patterson et al. (2013), accountability requires that an individual accurately identifies the right conversation to hold and which one to avoid. The outcome of the conversation dictates this. This is essential since accountability requires that people are liable for the consequences of their actions and decisions. On this part, I have failed as I often avoid talking about the right conversation by playing safe. Accountability also calls for caution before speaking and aspect that I have also failed. I am quick to anger and judge people without giving them time to defend themselves. An accountable person creates a safe environment to foster a conversation. This is an attribute I need to work on, as it also lacks, as depicted by my scores. I need to improve my listening skills, uphold privacy when having conversations, and be empathetic.
Patterson et al., (2013), and accountability conversation should be motivational to encourage others to embrace the same. This requires that one employs appropriate ways like seeking their consent rather than using strategies like threats. In this aspect, I have been good at and would continue improving. An accountable individual is required to make and full their commitments. Being committed encourages others to acknowledge accountability and find it easy to adopt. From my scores in this area, I cannot engage others and give them the needed guidance. The next requirement in an accountability conversation is remaining focused and flexible to adapt to the prevailing situations. I have problems staying focused, and when the circumstances change, I cannot adapt. Lastly, accountability must be action-oriented; whatever duties one is assigned must be done with due diligence. On this aspect, too, I have failed and need to implement diligence and commitment in my assignments.
Step 2: Analyze and Evaluate
The two areas where I scored the most number of “Yes” was “Choose What and If” and “Master my Stories.” These scores reveal that my ability to hold myself and others accountable is flawed and needs improvement. The reason for making this conclusion is based on Patterson et al. (2013) argument that a responsible person knows the right topic to discuss and the right things to say. The contrary is true in my case. Whenever I engage in conversations with people, all I care about is what I feel is right. As a result, my key concern is not on the right things to say or topics to focus on, but what suits my needs.
Similarly, when I engage in discussions with others, I do not consider their feelings. Therefore I say whatever comes to mind without factoring in their emotions and the consequences my actions will impart. An accountable person acknowledges the consequences of their actions and exercises caution when engaging in a conversation by carefully selecting the discussion and words used. My score confirms that this trait lacks in behavior. These scores reflect upon my real life since I often get into disagreements with my siblings at home. They argue that I am bossy and mean since I tend to share my opinions without considering the consequences. I never believed this claim until after I took the accountability test.
Accountability is essential as it enhances relationships and improves an individual’s self-confidence (Galindo, 2009). Therefore, I intend to bridge the gap in my accountability scores exhibited by the test score. To enhance the “Choose What and If” segment, I intend to always plan before participating in a conversation. This will help me focus on the vital topic area instead of diverting to non-issues. The other adjustment would be working on my relationship with people. This would entail spending more time to help me get to know them better to help me identify the right ways to approach them on different matters. In the second weakest area, “Master My Stories,” I intend to work on my anger management skills by enrolling in a short session on anger management. I also contemplate seeing a therapist help me manage my anger. Other than that, I intend to try and always give people the benefit of the doubt. Usually, whenever someone does something wrong or makes a mistake, it is often intentional. Therefore, I become and justify my actions by concluding that they deserved the ill-treatment.
Everybody in life makes mistakes at some point in time. This argument’s rationale is that no one is perfect, and therefore, humans are characterized by making errors (Asika-Enahoro, 2007). I uphold the notion that people purposely commit mistakes; hence, I am often quick to confront and condemn. The test results revealed a trait I have had for a long and assumed that was right, yet that was not the case. Accountability to self and others requires caution on what is discussed and how it is discussed.
Step 3: Recommendation
Accountability is an individual’s willingness to acknowledge responsibility for their actions.
Therefore, accountability is being answerable or liable for the consequences of the choices and decisions we make in life (Korean Global Mission Leadership Forum, 2011). Decision-making is an essential aspect of life that is inevitable. In whatever people undertake in life, they must make choices, and these decisions have consequences. In people’s personal lives, they often decide what food to eat, what to wear, who to marry, where to stay, what course to pursue, and what career paths to undertake. The business world is also faced with the same challenge of making choices at the organizational level. Some of the critical decisions that organizations face include hiring, what businesses to venture into, business financiers, and marketing strategies to employ. Therefore, decision-making is part and parcel of both personal and business life cycle. As a result, the choices made must be right; this is only ensured by instilling accountability.
Accountability is essential in personal life as it helps build trust and enhance people’s relationships. An accountable person is often cautious of the choices and decisions they make in life to avoid harming people around them or going contrary to their set goals and values. As mentioned in Patterson et al. (2013), accountability is equally important at home as it is at work. When people uphold the virtue of responsibility, they are most likely to consider the aftermath of the impacts of their choices on others. Utilitarianism argues that moral good is determined by the consequences of the action or decisions made. Therefore, moral good is that which results in a greater good. Therefore, an accountable individual based on this philosophy would take into account the consequences of their actions.
An example in personal life is marriage; this union calls for people to be accountable at all times. However, the rate of divorce continues to be on the rise. According to the CDC (2020), statistics collected in 2018, the divorce rate in America stood at 2.9 per 1000 population. According to Patterson et al. (2013), one of the leading causes of divorce in modern society is the lack of accountability. This is because people in marriages make broken promises. People’s inability to keep their pledges equates to a lack of accountability.
Accountability is also an important leadership trait at the organizational level as it builds trust and enhances performance (Biddinger, n.d). Leaders in the workplace are assigned the duty to ensure that the organizational objectives are achieved. Therefore, they are supposed to organize the resources available well to meet the set goals efficiently. Achieving this role requires them to build a positive relationship with their teams. By being accountable, the leaders enhance their relationships with their team members and, in return, improves the work atmosphere. Similarly, a united team upholds teamwork and accountability; hence, time wastage and engaging in destructive activities are eliminated. The overall outcome of having an accountable leader and team is improved performance.
References
CDC. (2020, May 5). Marriage and Divorce. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/marriage-divorce.htm
Patterson et al. (2013). Crucial accountability. Mc-Grow- Hill Education.
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Korean Global Mission Leadership Forum, Bonk, J., Hahn, G. W., & Overseas Ministries Study Center. (2011). Accountability in missions: Korean and Western case studies. Eugene, Or: Wipf & Stock Publishers.
Biddinger, M. (n.d). The importance of accountability. Retrieved from https://www.cedarville.edu/-/media/Files/PDF/Student-LifePrograms/CULead301/CULEAD301TheImportanceofAccountabilityMrMarkBiddinger.pdf?la=en&hash=99E66A316C10B9D3C22757BA2F831462C3BC3B2D#:~:text=Accountability%20eliminates%20the%20time%20and,activities%20and%20other%20unproductive%20behavior.&text=When%20you%20make%20people%20accountable,them%20to%20value%20their%20work.&text=When%20done%20right%2C%20accountability%20can,team%20members’%20skills%20and%20confidence.
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Asika-Enahoro, C. (2007). Till cheating do us part: A guide for relationships & marital bliss. Philadelphia: Xlibris.
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Galindo, L. A. (2009). The 85% solution: How personal accountability guarantees success: no nonsense, no excuses. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
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