Positive accountability, is there such a thing?

Accountability. Most people cringe at the word. Defined as "subject to having to report, explain or justify responsibility" it's not not rainbows and ponies. It's a word that follows you throughout many different sectors of your life. It's not a job thing... or a home thing... It's a YOU thing. But, what most don't realize is that it doesn't have to be a bad thing.


During our monthly departmental meeting yesterday, we watched a webinar on The Oz Principles which is a must read for individuals who are compelled to improve their performance.  They refer to accountability in two ways; above the line and below the line.

If you are above the line, you ask "What more can I do?" whereas if you are below the line you think "There's no solution" and feel victimized and stressed. It's o.k. to be below the line, for a minute or two, but it's ineffective to live there. Everyone feels stress or needs to complain every once in awhile. But once you get it out of your system, move back up!

It's a personal choice to rise above ones circumstances and demonstrate the ownership necessary for achieving key results.

The Blame Game:

• ignore or deny
• finger pointing
• cover your ass
• wait and see mentality
• confusion
• not my job

People below the line stop playing to win and
start playing not to lose. 

Accountable people seek feedback. They see the bigger picture. Your employees are motivated by money. They are even more motivated by good leaders. But... they are most motivated by being part of a cause. 

I will continue to blog on additional information I learn. The Oz Principles seems to be a very powerful tool to continued positive development and building of winning teams and individuals.

-Brooke