1+1: The gift of accountability + Religion makes us happier

Here's one leadership idea and one resource I’ve found beneficial in the past two weeks:

1 idea:The gift of accountability

Early in my career, I was tasked with launching a social entrepreneurship program for high school students in just eight months. I had from January to August to create, recruit, and execute a program that needed to draw high-potential high schoolers from around the world to our campus outside of Boston, and I had never done anything like this before.

We formed a working group that met every few weeks to ensure we were staying on track. Around the table sat all the major stakeholders: the enrollment team, design folks, facilities management…and Rob.

Rob was a guy I had met a few times but didn’t know well at all. He was friendly and energetic, but I had no idea what he did or why he was there. Frankly, I was so focused on my own to-do list that I didn’t bother to ask. But after two or three meetings, it became very clear what Rob was meant to contribute.

Rob had this very annoying habit of asking concrete follow-up questions. Someone would ask about a brochure that we were working on, and I’d say, “Oh yeah, we need to write copy for that.” Rob would smile and say, “That sounds great. Who’s going to do that?” I’d sigh with annoyance—so subtly that I’m sure no one saw it. “Well…I guess that should be me,” I’d say. “Great!” said chipper Rob. “And when does that need to be done by?” Again, a sigh. “Uh…I guess I can have it done on Friday.” “Excellent,” said Rob as he merrily jotted down my commitment.

I spent much of those first few meetings annoyed. Every time I would go to vent about a problem or brainstorm an idea, Rob would ask a clarifying question to crystallize a decision. I felt like every time I voiced a concern or complaint, I ended up with more work!

But then by the fourth meeting, I started to notice something. Somehow, everything was getting done on time. This massive project that we were creating from scratch on an impossible timeline was barreling toward the finish line at a rapid clip. And I had Rob to thank for that.

Up until that point, I had only had unpleasant experiences with accountability. To me, it meant getting called on the carpet for breaking a rule. It was always punitive, forever unwanted.

But my experience with Rob showed me that great accountability begins with establishing clear expectations, then holding people accountable to them. And even more importantly, they were expectations that people set for themselves. No surprise meetings after the fact to punish you—just a clear target with a predictable cadence of accountability.

Rob helped me fall in love with accountability and offer it to others without feeling guilty or awkward for it. It’s now one of the things that my coaching clients say is most valuable about our relationship. And it all started with Rob.

If you want to be left alone to do whatever you want, accountability is not for you. But if you are tired of not getting the results you want, embracing accountability is a good first step. 

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• Where are you seeing sub-par results in your life or leadership?

• What kinds of disciplines (in your life, or on your team) would change those results?

• How could you begin to foster more accountability there?

1 resource: Religion makes us happier

Since I naturally resist authority and imposed structure, I was surprised to learn that organized religion can actually lead to greater happiness. This fascinating interview with Harvard Business School professor Arthur Brooks explains the research showing that religious practice reduces loneliness and increases happiness at the same time.

PS: How dancing saved the Savannah Bananas, the worst team in baseball.