How to take accountability for your own actions in the workplace.
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Commitment
Own your responsibilities and follow through on your promises. This means setting clear goals for yourself and communicating these to your team. Similarly finish tasks you said you would do…even if no one is checking. It creates your own personal culture.
If you are assigned a task and run into obstacles, don’t abandon it, or stay silent. Let your line manager know the issue, and show how you’re working to resolve it…but, be realistic in the first place, and don’t take on tasks that you know that you cant complete…communicate!
Clarity
Ensure mutual understanding about what’s expected…of you and from others. Ask questions if a task isn’t 100% clear. Where necessary, repeat back instructions to confirm understanding, and set clear expectations with teammates or direct reports. Instead of assuming how to complete a project, clarify timelines, formats, and deliverables before starting.
Courage
Face mistakes head-on. Be honest when things go wrong, and admit when you’ve made a mistake before being confronted. If you missed a deadline due to mismanagement of time, say so—don’t blame someone else or make excuses. Accept constructive feedback without becoming defensive…but, be prepared to speak up if something is unethical or harmful to either you, others, or the business.
Consistency
Act with reliability and integrity always, not just once, always keeping your work at a high standard. Show up on time, follow through, and be dependable. Apply the same level of responsibility to all tasks, big or small. Being consistent in updating your manager regularly, even if not required, builds long-term trust.
Collaboration
Work well with others, especially when sharing responsibilities or resolving issues. Share credit with teammates, and don’t be the first to claim success. If a group effort fails, own your part and support the team in fixing it. Offer help and ask for help without fear of judgment. If a group project fails, avoid finger-pointing. Instead, acknowledge your role and work together to improve for next time.
Finally, do regular self-reflection: “What could I have done better?” Seek feedback and apply it. Take responsibility even when it’s uncomfortable. Lead by example—others will follow.
“Accountability and self-responsibility are critical to our success in personal, professional and public life. However, we often look for those character traits in others, rather than including them in ourselves.”
