Accountability isn’t micromanagement - it’s the key to growth

Welcome back to the blog! It has been literal years…

At this point, I could probably write an entire book about Moses (I write about him a lot!) But honestly, when it comes to leadership lessons, there is so much to be uncovered from his life. Today, I want to talk about accountability…

No, no, please don’t head off at the mere mention of the word.

I get it, it’s fairly loaded, right? For me, accountability can quite quickly sound like ‘micromanagement’ in my head, which makes me want to run a mile. However, the truth of the matter is, I really need it. I honestly think we all do.

Back to Moses, for example. In Exodus 4, he’s going back to back with God about why he shouldn’t be the one to do what God’s calling him to do. In fact, he asks God to send someone else. However, at that very moment, God puts someone else on the radar who he says will help Moses complete the task - his older brother, Aaron. 

What I find quite funny about this interaction is the fact that God tells Moses that Aaron is already on his way. I read this like ‘no more trying to back out, buddy.’ Because, what’s to say that given Moses’ track record of excuses, another one wouldn’t have left his mouth if it wasn’t for the fact that God said ‘Aaron’s already on the way’?

Clarity often comes with action, not thought.

Don’t get me wrong, I personally need a lot of quiet reflection time in order to get grounded in the goals I’m going and growing towards. I’ve discovered that about myself over the years and recognise that that’s just how I’m wired, which is fine. However, if I only sat alone with my thoughts and great ideas for days, weeks, months and even years, however good those thoughts are, they’re nothing but that - thoughts. Sometimes I have to get real and remind myself that intention isn’t the same as action and productivity. And sometimes that means I need an Aaron - a bit of accountability - in order to get me walking out what I’m called to walk out.

I wonder if you can relate? I wonder what your relationship is like with accountability?

Do you look at the word, and inwardly, (or perhaps outwardly!) cringe? 

Or is it something you welcome and receive warmly? Perhaps it’s a mixture of both.

I must admit, my relationship with accountability is one of both love and hate. You see, I pride myself in being a self-starter. I’m a pioneer and a ‘go-getter’ type. I know that. However, another thing I also know is how easy I find it to start something new and exciting, only for it to fade out after time. Sometimes, I can keep the momentum for quite a while. At other points, I’m lucky if it lasts the week.

Something which always helps with goals for me though is accountability. Sometimes, that accountability will be pretty light-touch. Other times it’ll be a bit more heavy handed because without it, I’d procrastinate. 

I recently hopped on a 15-minute call with a coach who was offering free calls. I’ve always liked this guy’s way of doing things and have personally been feeling the need for a bit of coaching recently as my son starts school again after a long summer, and my daughter has some days with a childminder. The purpose of this call wasn’t just to sell me something, but I ended up purchasing his 30-day kickstart programme. During our call, he mentioned that on completion of the programme, there’s an opportunity to book a strategy call with him. He wasn’t forcing me to do the programme. The next video just popped into my inbox every day and the choice was mine as to whether or not I watched it and went through the content. However, the fact that at the end of it, there would be the chance for a call and an opportunity to strategise next steps, felt like just the amount of accountability I needed to go through the programme and I’m so glad I did as it offered such tremendous value.

Similarly, I’ve recently decided that I’m going to get back into regular exercise after starting the year strong and then dropping off slowly. I mentioned it to my sister, who’s been on her own health journey for some years now and she said she’d make a workout plan for me. Once she’d written it up and set up my weights, she said “I’ve left them like that so that you can use them straight away on Thursday.” And immediately, my mind said ‘right, I guess I’m starting Thursday then!’ (As opposed to the Monday I would have suggested for myself.) Again, my own goal, but a bit of light accountability moved me from intention to action.

Can you think of moments like these for yourself? Instances where a little accountability has gone a long way?

Whether you’ve had an ‘Aaron moment’ where you’ve been sent someone or something and had no choice but to step out in faith, or whether you’ve perhaps reluctantly sought support in order to reach your next level, I’m sure that in spite of your initial reaction, you know as well as I do that accountability has moved the needle in some way, shape or form.

To be honest, this is why I’m so honoured to be coaching again. After writing my book ‘Finding Flourishing’ and having it published, I knew there was much more I was being called to do with the message and methods found within its pages.

My coaching space ‘The Flourishing’ is all about picking your pace and opting for the level of accountability you currently need in order to go and grow towards the goals you have. Because I know you have goals. Whether they’re business based, fitness related, work and wealth rooted or a mixture of all of these, there are things you’re intending to get done which you’re not currently moving on as quickly as you’d like to be. I’d love to support you in seeing the success you’re seeking and doing it in a way which feels sustainable.

If you’re interested in finding out more, picking your pace and becoming part of The Flourishing, click here and you’ll be the first to hear when doors open.

Keep going. Keep growing.