Responsibility vs Accountability

In our lives, most of us know exactly what we are accountable for. That is, those things that we have agreed to dominion over and to manage for certain results. But how many of us know exactly what we are responsible for?

In our jobs, our relationships, even our countries, many of us have become masters of accountability, yet weaklings in responsibility. This article is meant to remedy that imbalance, and to highlight the remarkable empowerment that comes from living a 100% responsible life.

Responsibility comes from the same root as "to respond." It means in short, "ability to respond." Accountability has at its origins meaning related to accounting. That is, balancing the books. In a job at McDonalds for instance, someone might be accountable for the number and quality of shakes they make, but responsible for every single customer's satisfaction that walks through the door...

We may know people who are impeccably accountable, in that they repeatedly disclose and defend their actions. People that are excellent at accountability will often remind others what they have done, how completely they have done it, and exhibit little flexibility to circumstances that surround their agreed-upon actions. They find comfort in their word, and a scope of involvement limited to that which they agreed upon as "their business."

Masters of accountability often use words like "should," "supposed to," "didn't I," and "agreement". They also tend to take themselves seriously, or at least their actions, and they keep a ready "tally" of what has been done. Keeping agreements is often touted as the highest virtue, regardless of whether what has been agreed to has worked toward any larger objectives. In the case of the McDonalds shake-maker, completing their duties in an efficient manner would be the primary concern, even if NOT making a shake would be a better choice in a particular circumstance.

Then there are masters of responsibility. These folks are more rare, or more likely, less visible. Masters of responsibility know that in their jobs, relationships, their health, wealth, and nation, that they are ultimately responsible. That is, they are able to respond. Masters of responsibility often act in erratic or unpredictable ways. These people know that anything that crosses into their awareness, is something they can do something about.

Responsibility-masters make fewer agreements than accountable types, because agreements may get in the way of doing something that works toward a larger objective. They tend to take themselves less seriously, and use terms like "freedom," "could," "can" and "will" more often then their counterparts. Their highest virtue is more likely to be fluid or indefinable, although their behavior often leans toward service to a greater principal. They will not hesitate in abandoning the shake machine if a little old lady needs help to open a door, for example.

Now, as YOU look at these portraits, where do you see yourself? More importantly, where do you want to see yourself?

Fortunately, there is a wonderful empowering balance of the two that is possible for the adventurous. Once you take 100% responsibility for that which crosses into your awareness, you can act creatively toward making any aspect of your world a better place. And you can be impeccable in your agreements, as you remain free to re-communicate and transcend them.



Responsibility vs Accountability - To learn more about this author, visit Elizabeth Mullen's Website.

Like this article? Share it with your friends

E-Mail | Print | More

Related Articles
A culture of accountability is the key to business and organisational success
	Nigel Griffiths gives a positive spin on accountability.
Responsibility vs Accountability
	In our lives, most of us know exactly what we are accountable for. That is, those things that we have agreed to dominion over and to manage for certain results. But how many of us know exactly what we are responsibl...
Empowering Asian Mindsets through Coaching
	Coaching is an excellent way to help Asians become more accountable to the results they produce. It is common to hear some Asian attribute their successess to luck and their failures to external circumstances. Holdi...
WHERE IS THE YOU (“U”) IN ACCOUNTABILITY IN TODAY’S WORLD?
	Do you know where the you (“U”) is in accountability in your company or organization? Does your organization struggle with accountability as an issue in the workplace today? Is there a culture at your company that...
What is Effective Delegation
	The importance of delegation should not be underestimated. Employees often crave trust and responsibility. Effective delegation meets these and other needs. Delegation is the assignment of responsibility and acco...

---

Related Forum Posts
	The Rules for Managers
	Re: A Book For New or Experienced Entrepreneurs - Act Now
	Success Strategies
	Non Commercial Food Service Handbook