Want to know the secret to keeping yourself on track, motivated, and free from spiraling out of control? It’s simple: find an accountability partner. An accountability partner is someone who you trust to share goals and aspirations. They keep you focused by creating space to check in on your progress, celebrate successes, and strategize after setbacks.
I actually have several different accountability partners specific to different things that are important to me –health, finances, and special projects that need a boost. These are people who I regularly connect with; some accountability partners I reach out to daily, while others are on a weekly or monthly basis. It’s an opportunity for us to share triumphs and turmoil throughout the course of our journeys. Some accountability partners are with me for a few months, while others are with me for a lifetime. Our sole focus as accountability partners is to share, grow, and learn from our experiences as we navigate situations.
As student leaders progress through my classes, I emphasize the importance of not traveling the leadership path alone. I assign students an accountability partner to whom they can reach out regarding initiatives and personal development. There are four primary roles that can help accountability partners successfully develop this supportive relationship. The first is to offer mutual understanding; this means both partners identify the expectations and outcomes they provide each other. The second is to create a safe welcoming space where each person feels they belong; this environment allows for the sharing of critical information. The third is to become a life preserver; they are available and present when needed during a time of crisis. And the fourth is to provide compassion; they help cheer on the partner and remind them how far they have come already along the journey.
The point of an accountability partner isn’t to offer advice, although if asked, they can provide it. It’s more important the accountability partners create a space to continue to connect, provide updates, and ask meaningful questions to assist with finding the answer within. After all, if you can find someone who can do all that, well, you may have found an accountability partner for life!
Special Note: University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, PharmD and Leadership Emphasis Area Class of 2025 graduates, Maggie and Lauren, made accountability partner t-shirts for the students in their class. They also made a special set for me and Gardner. A great way to match-up our accountability partnership for over 30 years.
KerryOn Questions
- What area(s) in your life would benefit from accountability partners?
- Who could you ask to be an accountability partner today?
- How will you become the best accountability partner you can be?
The Kerry behind KerryOn
My name is Kerry K. Fierke, Ed.D. (pron. Fear-Key) I have a unique combination of skills and experience – decades of fast-paced corporate experience in Fortune 100 companies and large health care organizations, combined with the academic rigor of a highly ranked research university. My focus is supporting others to create their own path to leadership development, lifelong learning, and a unique leadership legacy. Take a moment to focus on leadership, then KerryOn!
To see all KerryOn's and other leadership stuff, visit www.kerrykfierke.com.
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