The true power of accountability lies in recognizing that the moment we become aware of it, we are at the center of our universe. In more practical terms, anything that happens in “my world” is something I have some accountability for. At the very least, I am accountable for how I choose to respond.

How often do you make mistakes at work? They can range from small ones with little consequence, such as wearing socks that do not match or forgetting a colleague’s name, to major blunders that can result in the loss of business, time, reputation, or even employment.

I've personally found this exercise to be an invaluable tool. It has prevented me from making impulsive and regrettable communication choices when I've been in a reactive state.

Developing the practice of doing your best each day is not a one-time event; it's a continuous process that requires discipline and self-awareness.

We get up in the morning, clean up for work (at least pre-COVID), down some coffee, brace ourselves, and head out the door. It has become so routine we do not notice. In some ways, it started back in grade school… walking out the door with a mental “showtime!”. We slapped our game faces on and headed to school.

Life can feel totally out of control sometimes. People change their priorities. Pandemics happen! We can feel overwhelmed. However, we are not powerless…

I compounded my error with a bigger one: denying responsibility. I was willing to cross over into the absurd to avoid the consequences of my actions.

I am reposting a blog I wrote last fall on recovery. It serves as a great reminder to care for ourselves, and I am literally practicing recovery by allowing a repost!

We have recovery as a practice because we know mistakes, impacts, and breakdowns will happen. The quicker we can recognize our mistakes the quicker we can clean it up and productivity will resume

An update on a story of recovery by coffee brand Starbucks

Getting back to someone in a timely fashion is a matter of accountability and trust. Response time is critical in business.

When we know we have a good clean-up tool at our fingertips we are free to communicate openly. Walking on eggshells in any relationship can restrict creativity, productivity, vitality, love and a host of other things we hold dear.