You are the common denominator.

"We gain strength, courage and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face and we do the thing we cannot do." -Eleanor Roosevelt

• 
  
• Why is everyone afraid of accountability?
  
• What two qualities do leaders possess?
  
• Why lack of accountability in an office punishes the best employees.
  
• Why your ego doesn't help you.
  
• Fault vs. responsibility: Linda explains the differences.
  
• And so much more...
  

Accountability. It's something we all want, yet most of us fear. We want it because with accountability things are clear, projects run smoother, results are produced and people are more fulfilled. In relationships the same is true: we're happier with accountability because our expectations are clear and are being met.

So why do we fear it? And what can we shift in our mindset, our behaviors and our attitudes to let go of that fear and embrace accountability? Linda Galindo of The Straight Truth joins us to answer those questions and more on the 357th edition of The Art of Charm.

Have you ever worked in an office where there was someone who obviously didn't pull his or her weight and yet they were allowed to get away with it? Our guest for today's episode explains why this experience is so common and so frustrating, and what you can do about it if you find yourself picking up someone else's slack in your office.

It boils down to accountability and if someone isn't living up to what is expected of him or her in their work, and no one holds them accountable then everyone involved suffers. It's common in the workforce today, but becoming less and less accepted. And if you're on the receiving end of this person's workload, Linda says there is something you can do about it besides just obediently and grudgingly take on the extra work.

Here's the type of conversation she says to have with your boss if or when this happens: express your concern and let your boss know you want to do more interesting work. Assure them they can rely on you to do this new, interesting work and tell them you want to stretch yourself in your role. And let your boss know by giving you this type of work, they'll also have time to deal with the other person.

Linda has spoken with many leaders of organizations and all have agreed this type of communication is invaluable to them. By saying this you are letting them know you want to be a leader for them, they can count on you and you are willing to express your thoughts; all valuable traits they are looking for in a leader within the company.

There are a few other behaviors leaders look for from their employees in terms of accountability. If you want to be a leader, don't talk about others when they aren't around. Instead talk to someone if you have a concern and address it directly with them. No one trusts someone who talks about others behind their back. If you talk about one person behind his or her back, what's to stop you from talking about anyone else when they aren't around? Leaders must be trusted. Addressing someone directly builds trust.

The second behavior is to not have meetings after the meeting! If something isn't clear to you during the meeting than be bold, courageous and brave and say so. You are responsible and accountable for your own clarity, so if something isn't clear to you than say so in that moment.

Accountability isn't just reserved for the workplace. Accountability is a necessary component of healthy, long-lasting relationships too. In order for a relationship to be truly fulfilling and strong for the long haul, each person in it must take 100% accountability for the relationship. You read that right: 100%, not 50%. Linda says if it's 50% then it devolves into a co-dependent, needy relationship. So if you and your significant other want it to work out take 100% responsibility for the relationship and your part in it.

Linda and I also talk about the power of having someone in your life holding you accountable for your accountability and your results. She stresses the importance of having a coach or someone else in your life who is completely committed to your success and allowing that person to hold your feet to the fire. That person could be a coach or a friend, but not a significant other (Linda explains why not).

We also talk about steps to take right now to change your relationship to accountability, and how to develop accountability behaviors at work, among other related topics. Linda really brought the straight truth on accountability in this episode, so be sure to hear all the details! Thanks to Linda for being here, and thanks to all of you for tuning in. We'll see you next time on The Art of Charm.

If you enjoyed this session of The Art of Charm Podcast, let Linda know by clicking on the link below and sending her a quick shout out on Twitter:

Click here to thank Linda on Twitter!

Linda Galindo's web site
Linda Galindo on Twitter
The 85% Solution, by Linda Galindo

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