I have yet to meet a leader (or anyone for that matter) that doesn’t look forward to the temporary slower pace of summer. Though being used to a frantic pace of life, we (me included) can often find it challenging to hit the pause button. The idea of sitting back and letting our minds settle seems blissful – but in reality, it can be difficult to do. It can be even more difficult to go the extra step, to mentally “regroup” and make more intentional plans on how we want to return to the more active season.
What I’m seeing with clients, and what I’ve experienced myself in the past, is that there are 2 “seasons” when people are particularly primed for reflection and change:
When they are so completely overwhelmed and are desperately seeking a way out of their current situation;
When they take a timeout, like a summer holiday, and take a bird’s eye view and reflect on the work they are taking a pause from.
While some individuals might see this as yet another thing to think about, let me attempt to reassure you by saying this: if you’re feeling unsettled, unrested, out of control, dizzy from decision-making, or like the world is moving at a pace you can’t keep up with – sitting down to organize your thoughts and creating a plan can go a long way at easing all the negative feels that are so commonly experienced by leaders.
Taking charge requires self-accountability. Being accountable to yourself means setting clear priorities, creating a schedule that aligns with those priorities, and respecting that schedule to drive success. In this article, we will explore strategies to help you develop a strong sense of self-accountability by creating a plan to keep yourself on track and serve as a model for those around you.
1) Reflect and Assess
Take advantage of the slower summer period to reflect on your performance and assess your progress towards your goals. Ask yourself key questions such as:
What milestones have I achieved so far?
Are there any areas where I could improve my accountability?
Have I effectively aligned my actions with my priorities lately?
2) Define Your Real Priorities
The first step towards self-accountability is gaining clarity on your real priorities. Ask yourself:
What are the key outcomes I want to/need to achieve as a leader?
What type of leader do I aspire to be?
What type of leader does my team need me to be to do their best work?
What do I need to thrive?
Identify the core objectives that align with your role, team, values and organization. By focusing on a few essential priorities, filter out the noise and avoid spreading yourself too thin and to maximize your impact.
3) Set Clear and Specific Goals
Building on your reflections, set clear and specific goals for the upcoming months. Break down your objectives into smaller, actionable steps and define measurable milestones. Consider using the SMART goal framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to ensure your goals are well-defined and realistic. I would recommend including other stakeholders to ensure your plans are realistic yet challenging. These time-bound targets will help you stay motivated, focused and measure progress along the way.
4) Create a Well-Structured Schedule
Next up: building a schedule that reflects your goals and priorities. Design a well-structured and realistic routine that allows for focused work, collaboration, and personal growth.
Imagine your schedule as the framework of a finely tuned machine. Each component represents a specific task or activity that contributes to the smooth functioning of the overall mechanism. By arranging the pieces thoughtfully, you optimize productivity and ensure a balanced work-life integration.
5) Guard Your Schedule and Respect It
Creating a schedule is relatively easy. Respecting it though, is a whole other beast. Guard your schedule fiercely and make a conscious effort to stick to it. Treat the commitments you make to yourself as non-negotiable or as you would respect the schedule of others. While occasional adjustments may be necessary, make sure they align with your priorities and have a genuine purpose. If you are a recovering “yes” person, this is particularly important. Remind yourself that for everything you say yes to, you will have to drop something else. If this keeps you in alignment, go for it! If it steers you away from alignment, ask yourself what it is about that task or request that is worth pulling you off-course.
Set aside dedicated time for regular progress reviews. Use these sessions to assess where you’re at, identify areas for improvement, and make any necessary adjustments as necessary. By creating a robust accountability system, you will feel better supported and more likely to stay on track during busier times.
6) Embrace Accountability Partnerships
Accountability can be reinforced through partnerships. Find a mentor, coach, or trusted colleague who can serve as an accountability partner. Engage in regular check-ins or meetings to discuss your goals, share progress updates, and offer support and feedback to each other. Their perspective, guidance, and encouragement can provide invaluable support and help you stay on track. Offer to do the same for them. This will do a great deal to encourage a collective growth mindset within the team.
7) Make Self-care an essential aspect of your daily routine
Accountability extends beyond work-related goals. Take time to recharge, relax, and engage in activities that bring you joy and rejuvenation. A balanced and healthy state of mind and body is essential for supporting long-term accountability. Research has repeatedly shown that when we are at peace, we are free to think more creatively and greatly improve our likelihood of doing our best work.
The slower summer business time presents new leaders with a valuable opportunity to reflect, plan, and build an accountability plan for future success. By reflecting on your progress, setting clear goals, designing an accountability system, allocating time for skill development, and practicing self-care, you can use this period to establish a solid foundation of self-accountability. Embrace this time as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, and you will enter the busier seasons with renewed focus, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to achieving your goals.