Be responsible-Take a Look at Yourself

How accountable are you? Does it depend on the situation, or are you always ready to accept responsibility for your decisions and behaviours? On a scale of 1-10, with 1 representing "Never" and 10 representing "Always," rank yourself on each of these characteristics of accountability. They apply equally to professional and personal situations.

1. I communicate regularly and accurately with associates.
2. If I don't understand something, I seek out information.
3. I own my own problems and circumstances.
4. When I make a mistake, I admit it.
5. I am proactive, often taking the initiative.
6. I ask for the things I need to do my job.
7. I analyze my activities and ask, "How is this contributing to organizational objectives?"
8. I analyze my activities and ask, "What more can I do?"
9. I stand and deliver when it's time to report on my actions.
10. I welcome feedback.
11. I model accountability for the people I work with and supervise.
12. I readily confront unaccountable behaviour in others.

Obviously, the higher the score, the better. Take a second look at items on which you ranked yourself at the low end of the scale. What can you do to become more accountable in those areas?