The Value of Accountability

Yesterday, there was a fascinating article in the New York Times (http://nyti.ms/cyuBXV ) about the relationship of Mark Zuckerberg (of facebook fame) and his business partner/accountability partner/friend Sheryl Sandberg. Every Monday and Friday they have a closed door meeting where they discuss strategy, deals, and personnel. This accountability partnership is credited with keeping the famously introverted Zuckerberg grounded. 

In the course of my life, I have had 3 such relationships. All of these relationships have evolved from bosses that turned into colleagues that turned into friends. The effect that this has had on my career has been astounding. Here are some of the ways.



It keeps me focused and on target


When you are talking about your goals and your vision on a weekly basis (both for your business and personal), it helps weed the fluff out of your life. My meetings are inspiring and keep me pumped up and focused on what I am trying to accomplish.



It prevents me from getting “the big head”

Overly educated people such as myself love to give each other awards. It is actually one of our favorite things to do. So, when my moment of glory comes around, it is helpful to have someone bring me out of my self-glorifying cloud. I accomplish nothing when I am thinking about how great I am, but I can accomplish a lot when I get back to what really matters-the vision of the business and my own goals for success.



It increases my efficiency

When you know that you are going to talk to someone at least once a week about what you have accomplished and how those tasks have moved the organization closer to its overall goals, there is a much bigger chance that you are going to work your butt off. In the light of accountability, the online shopping and the long lunch seem a lot less important.



It gives me new ideas

I come to the table with a very limited pool of my own ideas, so I am always on the troll for more. Plus, it is always beneficial to hear someone else’s point of view. Some of my best ideas have come from theses brainstorming sessions with these men.



It helps me let go of the ideas that just aren’t working

Like most mildly driven people, when I get an idea, I have a hard time letting go of it if it isn’t working. For every idea that does work there are six others that don’t. Occasionally, it is hard for me to recognize when it isn’t working since it’s my baby. Nobody wants to be the one to tell you that you have spinach in your teeth. Likewise, few want to be the one to tell you that something you have poured yourself into just isn’t working anymore. Having someone that will give you an honest assessment of your work is an invaluable resource.