Welcome back to our series on the myths of accountability. This week, we’re tackling a surprising one: Myth #3: “Highly effective people don’t need accountability.”
Wrong. In reality, highly effective people are the most likely to seek out accountability and intentionally build it into their lives. Why? First and foremost, highly effective people tend to be goal-oriented and accountability helps them stay focused on their most important priorities. On the flip side, it also helps them create boundaries, curbing the tendency to overcommit and burn out.
For those who think of themselves as procrastinators, it’s rarely about laziness. Accountability can be a game-changer, providing interim deadlines that get them started sooner. Since accountability often involves regular check ins, people work toward smaller milestones, which helps prevent last-minute rushing. As progress is made, momentum is gained, procrastination subsides, and work gets done.
For the people who genuinely don’t want to do the work (lazy or not), accountability reveals this quickly. With clear communication, goal-setting, defined tasks, and feedback, it soon becomes evident if someone isn’t committed. This clarity helps you determine the best way to move forward sooner.
