Accountability. It's a buzz word these days. Many people want to increase levels of accountability in their interactions with others.

What is accountability? According to Merriam Webster, "accountable" means "subject to giving an account: ANSWERABLE." Synonyms are listed as: responsible, amenable, answerable, liable. But what does it really mean? For me, being accountable means that we do what we say we are going to do, when we say we will do it with the quality of deliverable that was agreed to. We set the actions, parameters of those actions, and the timing of the actions.

Then why is it so difficult for people to be accountable? Is it due to lax standards or incompetence? Is it because when they make those commitments, no one ever follows up? Is it because there are too many things on the plate and there isn't time? In that case, why make the commitment in the first place?

Leaders seek for themselves and their employees sustained high performance in the face of ever-increasing pressure and rapid change. Some leaders wilt under pressure; others thrive. Is the reason for this all in their heads? No, sustained achievement requires emotional, spiritual, and physical strength as well as a sharp intellect.

To bring mind, body, and spirit to peak condition, leaders need to know what world class athletes already know - recovering energy is as important as expending it. Chronic stress without recovery depletes energy reserves, leads to burnout and breakdown. These all affect performance.

The High Performance Pyramid shows the relationships between the four elements...

 

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