ACCOUNTABILITY

Taking a kick-start from the disciple of accounting, accountability is the term used to qualify the ability to hold a person, group, or organization responsible for an action or event or function. They are responsible for the success of that task whether or not they are the one to execute the task. In cases where they are not the ones carrying out the task directly, they are seen as the head of that task and every report should be made to them since they are responsible for everything concerning the task. Accountability means answer-ability, blameworthiness, liability and expectation of record-giving. It is the acknowledgement of responsibility for actions, products, decisions, policies, administration, governance, implementation. Accountability should not be tagged to accounting alone because of the root-word "account". Accountability cuts across a lot of things, ranging from our personal and individual lives, down to official assignments and governance; everyone no matter where you find yourself or what you find yourself doing should be accountable. Accountability is held strong by four pillars: Responsibility- a duty that binds to the course of action; Answer-ability- being called to account; Trustworthiness- a trait of being worthy of trust and confidence; Liability- being legally bound to a debt or obligation. These pillars are invaluable and they create a strong platform for work and life. Establishing these pillars will result to establishing solid accountability in individuals, group, organization as the case may be. A person's accountability is noted in his/her actions, work products, strategy, decision making, policies, sourcing, delegation and culture. How these things are handled define how accountable a person is. There are various types of accountability, some of which are: internal accountability- being accountable to oneself; external accountability- being accountable to others; political accountability- accountability of government, civil servants, politicians to the public and political bodies; ethical accountability; administrative accountability; market accountability; to mention but a few. Very well established are the different truths about accountability. Accountability starts with you, it does not start with another person. You being a leader makes you accountable, you are accountable for whatever success or failure you get on things you do. Accountability is not a one-time thing, it takes some time to get there so do not be in a rush or overwork yourself, just let it grow bit by bit. Accountability applies to all not some, everyone must be accountable not that it is restricted to some set of people of different appearance, physique, tribe, position. Accountability cannot be dedicated, the one who wants to be accountable must be ready to accept it. Accountability is the difference between success and failure- the moment you refuse to feel accountable for a task, there will be no growth again only downfall leading to failure. You have to hold people accountable- do not just tell them they accountable, make them know they are accountable by demanding reports and giving expectations and deadline so they can really understand how much accountable they are. Accountability builds trust. Accountability improves performance. It promotes ownership. It inspires confidence. It helps to reduce blame, conflicts and frustration. It improves quality, productivity. Live an accountable life and carry out every activity or task with a mindset of accountability. By Akinleye Grace Oluwabusola @grace_akinleye