We tend to think that responsibility and accountability are the same thing, but some clarity is needed. Responsibility is about action because it involves us in making a commitment. We always have a choice in how we see what we are accountable for.
When we make a commitment we are creating a relationship with a future outcome that must be delivered. When a commitment is made we face unknown challenges that need to be overcome that we take responsibility for.
To make progress we have to figure out what has to be done. The commitment guides us in actions we need to take. Being responsible means staying focused on achieving what we commit ourselves to do. We see it as a promise we make to ourselves and others.
Being a committed leader
A leader will leading even when they are not formally responsible, where they may not be held accountable, but take personal or professional responsibility for their actions. In effect, we are holding ourselves accountable for what we promise to ourselves. We are answerable to ourselves.
For example, leadership happens in one’s personal life when as a partner we ensure that we give the highest priority to continuously improving what we are responsible for. This builds trust and displays integrity. As regenerative leaders, we must apply the same standards of behaviour in all relationships.
In their book ‘The Power of Owning Up’, Bob Dunham and Sameer Dua identify four “postures” that leaders should be aware and notice which are adopted by their team.
THE BYSTANDER – adopts a posture of accepting no accountability or responsibility for what happens. Any failures are the responsibility of someone else who they are not responsible for.
THE VICTIM – understands that their position holds them accountable for what happens but cannot be responsible for the behaviour of those who do not do what’s expected of them. They cannot be trusted or work independently.
THE PERFORMER – is the posture adopted by many managers who only hold themselves both accountable and personally responsible for what is in their contract. They are not committed to the result, only their actions.
THE LEADER – adopts the posture of a “life leader” in that they hold themselves responsible for the actions they take to deliver the result that everyone can commit to, even though they may not be formally accountable for delivering the result.
The power of attention
To act responsibly, attention must be given to the way we use language, mood and our body state to communicate a genuine commitment. Before a commitment is acted on, we need to be clear in our own minds, what exactly we are taking responsibility for. This may involve grounding the facts as we know them to be. That will achieve a an understanding that fits our values and what’s important to us. Beware, becuse the assumptions we make can threaten our reputation or identity?
The diagram below shows how we need to pay attention to how we listen to and clarify our thoughts and intentions. When others speak, to seek first to understand what is meant by what is said.
Having Integrity
We stay committed to what we care about and the standards we expect. It matters that we commit to delivering the outcome whatever it takes. It’s a demonstration of our integrity and trustworthiness. We do what we promise.
Accountability is an assessment made by others who are holding us accountable for what we declare as our responsibility. We only hold ourselves accountable for what we promise, thinking carefully before making that commitment. Do we care enough about what we are committing ourselves to, to take care of what we say we care about?
Successful leaders hold themselves responsible for the commitments they make whether they are being held accountable or not. The diagram below explains the relationship between care and action.
The leader holds themselves responsible for what they commit to, whether or not they are being held directly accountable for the result.Leaders commit to take care of what they care about. Big actions requires a big commitment to care about ensuring delivery – no matter what. To do otherwise is foolhardy or just playing it safe.
Creating a strong commitment
A leader is someone who has a commitment to finding new possibilities to engage in the challenges created by climate change in a VUCA environment. This involves:
Facing facts that we cannot change, so as not to limit ourselves to what we cannot promise with confidence.
Exploring possibilities we would rather ignore or that go beyond what we have seen before.
Embracing uncertainty with a new narrative that serves what we truly care about and that looks beyond what we value or en know about.
Seeking growth means taking calculated risks to commit to something innovative that generates a new future, even when the outcome is unknown
