If there’s one thing that can propel a business and a leader forward, it would most definitely be accountability.

Accountability is difficult to put into place for a number of reasons: 1) we don’t know who to ask, 2) it’s sometimes surprisingly challenging to set our egos aside, 3) we may feel like we “don’t have time for that”, 4) we’re uncomfortable being vulnerable, and/or 5) we don’t feel like we’d have much to offer someone else.

Whatever your reason, if you don’t have accountability in your life and you’re not making the progress you want, you might do well to put all that aside and consider this secret weapon.  

Motivation can get you started on making a change or achieving a goal, but eventually the excitement that you’re feeling at the outset will begin to wane. We’ve all experienced this.

Good accountability can help you go the extra mile when it’s just feels easier to give up.

Every day presents so many possible distractions – even an unexpected phone call or email can completely derail your initial daily plan. If you add up all of these times in your day where distraction wins and strategic thought and execution are a far off 2nd, then your path to business success slowly fades. And sadly, this leaves you among the large percentage of other businesses that just don’t last.

The simple and unfortunate truth is that far too many small business owners have gotten used to existing on a deserted island, even if they are surrounded by a great staff. They start their business so they can be their own boss and not have to answer to anyone, but the pendulum oftens swings too far left and they lose touch with other voices who are desperately needed to help them succeed.

An accountability partner is a business peer who you start a relationship with in order to help each other grow your respective companies. You do this by offering guidance and by holding each other to your commitments. This relationship is different than a mentor because in an accountability relationship, both are bettering their businesses and giving support and feedback to each other.

A good accountability partner has a lot to offer…

• They keep your goals at the forefront of your focus.
  
• They validate and vet your thoughts, ideas, and decisions.
  
• They help accelerate your performance by keeping you responsible and holding your feet to the fire.
  
• They help you measure your progress.
  
• They understand your challenges and joys.
  
• They become your biggest cheerleader and celebrate with you.
  
• They call you on your b.s. excuses and push you through procrastination.
  
• They are brutally honest with you (in a kind way, of course).
  
• They are in it with you.

Accountability is what separates the super successful entrepreneurs and leaders from the mediocre.

When you are clear on your expectations and you agree on consequences, there is nothing that can stop the two of you from reaching your potential.

How about you? Are you willing to do the uncomfortable to get the results you want?

“Accountability separates the wishers in life from the action-takers who care enough about their future to account for their daily actions.” – John Di Lemme

-This post was written by Julie Weldon ([email protected])