Select Page

 

As humans we are creatures of habit. We like to do things the way that they work for us. This includes setting goals and achieving them. There are some of us who are more goal oriented than others, and others who have spurts of inspiration and then laps back into old habits. There is nothing wrong with this, except for one thing: Coaching is about change.

Yes, it can be about sustainability, taking stock of reality, or bouncing off ideas, however, any process of Business Coaching will in one form or another demand an element of a change.

To commit to making a difference, you need to be accountable. 84% of employees believe that their leader’s actions are the most important factor influencing their levels of accountability. This is a remarkable indication of how valuable accountability is in the workplace, as well as how people influence the levels of accountability in others.

 

Why holding your client accountable is so important?

Dealing with adults, particularly those who attend business coaching of their own initiative, presumes that changes will be implemented, and that the coaching intervention will be a success. However, this is a common misconception.

Quite simply, accountability is accepting responsibility for your decisions, actions, and results. There is no place for blame, obstacles, or lack of authority to perform. All of these are common excuses why coaching objectives are not realised. Therefore, it is accountability that sits at the cornerstone of coaching success.

 

5 ways to hold your client accountable:

The difficulty in holding your client accountable is quite simply that there is nothing you can do if they don’t perform. Yet, without accountability, your business coaching intervention fails. Here are 5 ways in which you can hold your clients accountable:

  1. Write it down. People are usually more committed when they have documented what they will do. Writing things down also prevents any form of misunderstanding.
  2. Without being negative, ensure that your client understands the results of not accepting accountability. Their coaching time is a waste, and their vision cannot be realised without them taking ownership and responsibility.
  3. Ask your client how they would like to be held accountable. This enables your client to consider what will work best for them, rather than you putting your methods onto them.
  4. Accepting ownership of their own process is an empowering sensation. Allow your client to be empowered and to take accountability for their own results.
  5. Be a partner. You are not a boss and you are not a policeman. Your job is to partner with your client to achieve their desired outcomes. Behave as a partner and work with your client to maintain accountability towards their own goals.

Maintaining Accountability

Working with a proactive and enthusiastic client makes managing accountability easy. It’s those who resist change who are difficult to keep on track. Part of maintaining accountability is checking in with your accountability partner on a regular basis to ensure that goals are reached and wins and struggles are shared.

Hold Your Client Accountable

 

Being held accountable is an enormous advantage because it ensures performance. It is a gift that you can give yourself to ensure your own success. To partner with a professional business coach who will keep you accountable towards your envisaged results, click here to begin your process.