Accountability: Are You Thinking Above or Below the Surface?

When we consider the subject of accountability, we may immediately think about the actions or non-actions we take in pursuit of the results we seek. However, if we care to look further, we'll discover the real root of accountability begins in the mind and more specifically in the thoughts we think. It is here where our actions are influenced and results are determined. Simply put, we can only perform at a level consistent with the level of thinking driving that performance. So, the question we may need to ask ourselves is: "Is the majority of my thinking above or below the surface."

When we look across any body of water, we're really looking at two worlds and two basic types of species -- those who live above the surface and those who live below it. Design, suitability and adaptability are the determining factors as to which world any given species will live and thrive.

By intent and design, we as humans, are meant to live above the surface. It is here where our life-giving oxygen exists and keeps us alive. When we are plunged below, we can survive for a limited amount of time, but eventually we are consumed by an environment in which we don't truly belong. In short, we drown. We can look at our thinking, and where our thoughts belong, in a very similar way.

When we think above the surface, our thoughts are more in line with the environment. They are visible and exposed to the light. When we allow our thinking to slip below the surface, we enter a dark, unseen and sometimes hostile world. Truthfully, we spend some amount of time in both places, but based on our intended design, shouldn't we strive to stay above the surface in our thinking and our associated actions?

Think about the duck or swan for a moment. If viewed from above the surface they appear calm, confident, and even graceful as they glide across the water. But if we could see below the surface at that same moment, we'd see something entirely different. In contrast to the calm demeanor observed on top, there is a whole lot paddling going on just to stay afloat! Can you see how this relates to our thinking and in turn relates to the quality of our accountable actions? A duck is designed for these two different worlds. We are not.

So what does "above the surface" thinking look like in terms of producing a greater level of accountability? Here are four areas that come to mind:

Face the true reality: We need to learn to see things as they are and not as we wish them to be. Facing reality helps foster a higher level of trust through more open communication, acceptance, and meaningful dialogue. We can in confidence state the issue, ask for and over feedback, and hone in on what is working and what isn't. The bare reality may put us at a lower level than we wish to acknowledge, but it is a great place to begin building upward.

Take responsibility for the outcome: The moment we take responsibility for anything we take on a certain ownership and through that ownership have a bigger stake in the outcome. If we want to take possession of the good we also have to own up to the bad and the ugly. It's in the valley where we often get a clearer look at the path up the mountain.

Persist in spite of obstacles: If meaningful growth were easy, everyone would have already obtained it. Part of our accountability is working through, over, or around the inevitable obstacles we are sure to face. Making up our mind that "we will, until" and vocalizing that intention to those around us puts a visible stake in the ground and helps us gain the confidence of those who are watching -- and someone is always watching.

Walk the talk: Nothing happens until somebody does something. Words are powerful, but no matter how well-intentioned they may be, they are no substitute for simply doing. Let us make up our mind from the outset that we will not simply offer our best words, but rather our best efforts. There is learning in the doing and the more we do, the more we learn -- and accountability is a learned skill.

Thinking above the surface builds trust, good reputation, and fosters better relationships in every situation and culture. Thinking below the surface produces the opposite and results in excuses, blaming others, self-deception and ultimately, mediocrity or even failure.

We were made to live above the surface and so are our thoughts. Even if we take the occasional dive now and then, we must remind ourselves that we cannot long survive in such an environment.

About the Author: Terry Crouson is the Owner and Head Coach at Silver Coach Solutions, LLC and is currently doing business as The Growth Coach of West Metro Detroit. He is dedicated to helping business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and self-employed professionals find their way by finding their why. He is a highly respected business coach, speaker, facilitator, and community builder. Terry is certified in the Strategic Mindset Process, and is also a DISC Certified Behavioral Consultant.