No More Excuses: Who Holds You Accountable?

Whether it was debating what to do about the bad hire, or the good employee who has stopped trying, or that your to-do list continues to grow as you watch your efforts far outweigh your accomplishments … no more excuses. We all have that uncanny ability to justify why we didn’t get something done or why we put off making that decision. Who holds you accountable for doing what you said you’d do?

The power of you

You have to hold yourself accountable and take the necessary action when it calls for it. Often easier to say than to do for many of us, but leaders find a way to get it done. Sometimes the answer is to use your leadership or management team to hold you, and each other accountable. Now let’s face it, depending on the structure of your business, that leadership team can range from just you and the person in the mirror, to a group of your department managers and senior leaders. Regardless of the make-up of the team, with the right mindset and tools, you can get this done.

Removing the obstacles

The space between our ears is often the biggest impediment to our ability to get things done and making things happen. Your mindset, and that of your team, will be critical to removing these obstacles. It starts with having a vision of why you are doing what you do? Are you clear on the mission and your purpose? If not, take a pause and get everyone on board as it’ll make it much easier down the road. I said easier, not easy. And don’t be afraid to make a mistake. At times, fear can paralyze us and nothing will be accomplished. Ask yourself, “what’s the worst that could happen,” and the answer will typically give you the green light to take action.

What to do, next steps

If you don’t have a leadership team, or one that you’re happy with (that’s another issue), then look outside of your company. It could be a group of businesspeople within your community or your accountant, lawyer or banker. Don’t be bashful in seeking them out and creating a sounding board for yourself so that you don’t get stuck in these situations. Good luck with this, let me know how you’re doing and have fun.

Mike Philie can help validate what’s working and what may need to change in your business. Changing the trajectory of a business is difficult to do while simultaneously operating the core competencies. Mike provides strategy and insight to owners and CEOs in the Graphic Communications Industry by providing direct and realistic assessments, not being afraid to voice the unpopular opinion and helping leaders navigate change through a common sense and practical approach. Learn more at www.philiegroup.com, LinkedIn or email at mphilie@philiegroup.com.