All too often we hear people say:

"It's not my problem" or "Why doesn't that department do its job?" and sometimes even ....

"Why do they make it so difficult for me to do my job?".

Whenever we begin a question with "Why" what we are really saying is "poor me"!!

Questions that have a "Why me?" tone to them, only make us feel like "I am a victim of the environment around me".

When we are faced with a challenge or frustration of some kind, our natural instinct is usually to look elsewhere for someone else to blame rather than ourselves.

By pointing the victim finger elsewhere, nothing gets done and it usually causes even more problems.

"Achievers focus on fixing the problem; victims spend their time affixing blame!"

That's the price we pay for lack of Personal Accountability!

Personal Accountability starts with our own thinking rather than blaming other people for problems. When we practice accountability we start to ask ourselves questions such as:

"What can I do" and "How can I make a difference"

REMEMBER: If you're not part of the solution .... you're part of the problem!

There will always be instances where we do not have any control over a situation. So the first question to ask is "which things can I do something about and which things do I have no influence over?"

You can then focus your attention and engergy on the things you can influence and ignore or let go of the things you cannot influence. Be careful though, as sometimes that "no" is simply habit and often you can do more than you first think.

"Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

What's in it for you?

1. You have more control of your own destiny.
2. You become an active contributor rather than a passive observer.
3. Others are influenced by your positive energy and therefore, enjoy working with you.
4. You feel less anger, frustration, and helplessness - all of which lead to better state of mind.
5. You increase your personal power and influence.

This may be one of the most important questions you ever ask. Raising the question is the first step towards enhancing your sense of personal empowerment and accountability.

5 Steps To Becoming A Winner:

1. Watch other people who have what you want, in terms of attitude, behaviour, and success, and then follow their lead.
2. Enlist your boss or someone else you respect, in being your informal coach or your mentor.
3. Practice creative thinking to solve problems.
4. Avoid negative colleagues and gossips as much as you can, as their pessimism and cynicism can be contagious. Also, you may be judged by the company you keep.
5. Watch your own self-talk. As Rudyard Kipling wrote: "words are the most powerful drug of mankind. Choose them carefully."

Think about one problem you have found frustrating lately at work. What impact has that problem had on your daily effectiveness?

Who have you been thinking is responsible for this situation?

Now .... if you practice Personal Accountability regarding this problem, what can you do differently now?

Taking charge of your work life is mostly a matter of learning new behaviours, developing new ways of thinking about yourself and others, and adopting new attitudes to solving problems and achieving goals.

Want to learn more ...?

With over 24 Rapid Results® 90 minute training sessions to choose from, these lively and interactive sessions are packed with tips and ideas to really get your people switched on! Click here for more information on bite sized learning that sticks!

Next Month ... Mentoring