December 8, 2021

By Robert Murray

Have you ever set a task for yourself that you didn’t get to because something “more pressing” came up?

Now ask yourself: how often does that happen when you’re meeting with somebody?

For me, it’s pretty much never.

Accountability partnerships can go a long way. When I have an accountability partner, I never miss a workout or a meeting. I work harder to get something done if I’ve committed to someone else to finish it.

So here’s the question: what are you putting off on a regular basis that you know you need to get done? If it’s a frequent occurrence, having an accountability partner can help.

Here are 3 tips that will help create a successful accountability partnership.

1. Have a Morning Check-In

Start your work day with a 5-minute phone call with your accountability partner to go over the following 3 questions:

  • What do you want to accomplish today?
  • What are the 3 most important things you need to get done?
  • What’s your #1 focus for the day?

Repeat this step the following day and start by asking: “did you accomplish what you wanted to accomplish yesterday or do you have to finish it today?”

2. Follow a Process

Follow these steps when it comes to your main focus for the day:

  • Set an appropriate amount of time aside in your calendar.
  • Let your accountability partner know what you plan to accomplish in that amount of time.
  • Get them to check in with you by the end of the allotted time.
  • Let them know if you finished what you set out to accomplish.
  • Follow the same steps for your partner’s main focus.

That way, you’re both putting yourselves on the hook to avoid checking your phone, answering an email, or taking that extra coffee break when focusing on your #1 task.

3. Set Ground Rules

Last but not least, you want to set clear expectations around what you both want — and don’t want — out of the relationship. Your accountability partner needs to know what’s expected of them if you don’t follow through on what you said you were going to do. Some may choose a carrot or stick approach while others may choose a point-based system to keep them on track. The idea is to set yourself up for success. That’s why it’s important to set ground rules that work for you.

An accountability partner may be what you need to keep you on track towards your goals for the new year. We hope these 3 tips will help you get the most out of your accountability partnership. For more business and marketing tips, visit our blog or contact Intrigue today.

Rob is an action junkie at Intrigue. When he isn’t meeting with clients to create marketing campaigns to grow their business, he is meeting with Chuck Norris to find out how he became the king of action. Rob is part of the Young Professionals Network of Guelph and the Master Planning Steering Committee for the Guelph General Hospital. When Rob isn’t working, he works on finding new ways to catapult himself through the air.

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