Everyone knows the meaning of accountability but few take the time or effort to fully understand. Because accountability is a powerful female trait that can be used to great effect in the workplace and elsewhere, this discussion will do just that. Particularly women in leadership positions can take advantage of this opportunity. Why/how? You can see CooperConsultingGroup.com for more information.

One thing that I’ve noticed in my corporate leadership development seminars – especially when it comes to women executives – was that they are great team players and don’t like to let other people down. This is what you need to do to be accountable.

Management Training and Development: What Accountability Says a Lot About Your Character

The extent to which you are accountable will tell a lot about you as a person. This is the point I was making in my opening paragraph, when I discussed dissecting this phenomenon.

Think about someone who doesn’t take responsibility seriously. What might their personality traits look like? These are the three traits I think of: Unwillingness to accept responsibility; assigning fault and always trying to pass the buck.

What would their likely reaction be if they missed the deadline on a project that was due?

So-andso didn’t do their part. That wasn’t my job description. I was never told to do it that way.

This is a contrast to someone who values accountability. What characteristics might they have? They are open to making mistakes and being proactive in finding solutions.

What is their reaction to missing a deadline or a delayed project?

As team leader I accept full responsibility. I have to find out where I went wrong and what I can do to make it right.

As you can see these people are very similar to one another. Remember that accountability is something you embody. It reflects who you truly are. It isn’t something you can simply do at work and then leave when you get back home.