Accountability Partners – Are they Necessary?
What do you think? Do you reach your goals more easily when you have an accountability partner or group? Or are you better as the lone ranger?
If you answered that you do not need anyone else let me ask you this, do you challenge yourself? Do you move out of your comfort zone? Do you achieve all your goals?
In my recent blog posts I have been sharing some of the ideas that impacted me when I studied with Dr Fred Grosse. As part of the course I did over a 12 month period we had a Peer Partner or accountability partner. Dr Fred described this person as follows.
“The role of a Peer Partner in business is like a business “soul mate” to cheer you on and help you unfold to higher levels of achievement. A good Peer Partner will act as a sounding board for your plans, and assuming the role of “aware witness”, will gently point out any discrepancies between your goals and your performance.”
I love that description as to me a “business soul mate” sounds so much nicer than accountability partner, which for me conjures up feelings of being at school.
My experience with accountability
I don’t know about you but if I have no accountability system in place I can easily lose my way. The first career I had was in the accountancy profession. In the early days I had a boss to answer to and clear guidelines as to how many chargeable hours I had to achieve each week. That was a pretty good accountability system but I cannot remember being “cheered on and helped to unfold” too often.
I was in my twenties when I started my own accountancy practice and then had just myself to answer to. Although I had also just become married and my husband was a great supporter and helped keep me on track with my business.
Fast Forward some years to my next career
My next career was Financial Planning and that was a whole new experience for me.
I had to find clients, set up centers of influence and a whole bunch of things I had never done before. Apart from learning new skills I was terrified so it was very easy for me to procrastinate and find “busy work” to do.
At that time for me it was critical to have peers I could pair off with so that we could share our experiences. I remember having some very informal accountability set up with one colleague. We would see who could get the most appointments in a given day. It worked okay.
Fast Forward again to now – Home Based Business
Chances are if you are reading this you are probably also in a home based business at least part time.
For me when I first came online I was totally lost really and did not know where to start and on top of that I was techno phobic.
I was fortunate enough to stumble upon a couple of women running a blogging course and we were put into little tribes to syndicate our posts. This small group I started out with became my informal group of peer partners. We discussed our goals, problems and learning challenges. We met once a week and had a Skype group to keep in touch. It really worked well.
When that group fell apart for a variety of reasons I felt very lost and alone. It did not help that I was flipping around from one thing to another.
So for me a peer partner or a group works well.
What should we look for in a peer partner? These are some of the roles and attributes Dr Fred suggests.
- They should have an understanding of your business and be willing to be honest with you.
- Be a good listener
- Know what your goals and dreams are and support them
- Celebrate your successes and challenge you at your non success
- Help you identify what to change if necessary
- Call it as it is
- Brainstorm with you
What is your opinion on Accountability Partners – and do you think Are they Necessary? Have you worked with one? I would love to hear your experience. Please leave me your comments below and if you found this valuable please share it.
Sue Price
Skype: sueprice
Click here to work with me personally
PS
Check out this free video showing how ANYONE can make $150-$500 per day online!
Adrienne says
You are so right Sue and when I first came online I thought I could do this on my own. I love to learn and figure things out so I thought no problem.
Wrong!!!
So after struggling for several years I eventually joined a few groups over the next year and found that it’s so helpful when you have people you can count on. We all can’t know everything and aren’t experts at every little thing.
Last year I joined a mastermind group for the soul purpose of keeping us accountable. We would share what our goals were for the week and then check in the following week to see if we had accomplished them. It helped that we were being held accountable for achieving them or not.
Unfortunately that group disband with Dan Gheesling went off to be on Big Brother 14. Yeah, he was the leader of the group and we had a blast.
I now have another accountability partner and we talk every Tuesday morning. You are right, they are a huge support system and a true inspiration. Everyone should have someone.
~Adrienne
Sue Price says
Hi Adrienne
I think most people come online thinking they can do it on their own. Your journey has been an amazing one and I love hearing your stories.
Your mastermind group sounds like it was fabulous so a shame it ended but it sounds like you still have something in place to support you. Now I do not know who Dan Gheesling is but sounds like I should.
One of the few things I miss about not being in an office environment is the interaction with others. I love our hangouts for that reason.
Thanks for your comment Adrienne and see you tomorrow.
Sue
Adrienne says
What a rude awakening it ends up being right Sue!
Here in the states there is a reality show called Big Brother. It comes on in the summer and contestants are chosen to live in a house for 3 months with no outside communication. They have to win challenges and each week someone is voted off. The winner receives a half million dollars. Dan won Big Brother ten and was invited to come back and play again on Big Brother 14. He came in second and won $50,000. He’s actually a Catholic School Teacher and a really nice guy. To say we had a good time is an understatement. But, we helped him create his first product which of course is very popular because of who he is.
🙂
Sue Price says
Hi Adrienne
Yes it is a rude awakening for sure. I doubt anyone comes online and knows what to really expect.
We do have Big Brother here with our own Australians in it. We copy most things you guys do – well a lot anyway. You know I have never watched it. I do not like many reality shows. Having said that we had our first Australian The Voice this year and I loved it. Our Mentors were Keith Urban, Joel Madden, Seal and Delta Goodrem. I love and adore Keith Urban so really started watching it for him. But then I got hooked.
Wow Dan must be pretty special to be back there twice. A Catholic School Teacher – wow! If they pay teachers in the USA like we do that %50,000 would be very welcome. Oh very cool he has a product now too.
On that note Adrienne I was so excited to hear about your kindle book today. You so should be doing products.
Have an awesome Thanksgiving.
Sue
Barbara Charles says
Hi Sue. This is one of the things many people miss when growing their business. Accountability partners are what keeps you on track and are truly a support system. My girlfriend and I have talked about this and just recently implemented our plan. We met last night as a matter of fact. Accountability partners definitely keep you focused. Thanks for writing about this. Hopefully, it will encourage and inspire someone to move forward in the business by hooking up with someone as a friend and accountability partner. That’s why I like our Hangout. We have group accountability partners! 🙂
Barbara
Sue Price says
Hi Barbara
I agree many people miss how important this is to their business. Great you have a girlfriend to work with as an accountability partner. I think it is just really nice to share your goals with someone too.
I laugh when I read your comment about our hangouts as I had just said what you said here to Adrienne. I love them for the same reason.
Thanks for commenting Barbara and see you tomorrow partner 🙂
Sue
Sylviane Nuccio says
Hi Sue,
You know I don’t even have an accountability partner anymore and for a while now. Back in 2007 I started a mastermind group with a group of online buddies, but it was so hard to get them to just show up on the call once a week I just dropped it.
I would love to have an accountability partner again and maybe we could work something out. What do you think? Just an idea 🙂
I know that we have our Google hangout group every Tuesday (Wednesday for you 😉 ) But what we do there is a bit different.
Thanks for this interesting post!
Sue Price says
Hi Sylviane
Wow you have been online since 2007? You are becoming a veteran 🙂 Well maybe not as I am coming up to 3 years and sometimes I feel like I am just starting.
I think sometimes with a group this happens, people not showing up. The first Networking Superstars group I was in there were only a couple of us that ever showed up.
I would love to discuss working something out with you Sylviane. I like our hangouts as they go some of the way but not really in accountability. Have a read of Adrienne’s comment here as she has someone she meets with each week.
Maybe we can talk tomorrow. Are you on Skype? My id is sueprice if you want to send me a connection there.
Thanks for commenting Sylviane and see you tomorrow.
Sue
Donna Merrill says
Hi Sue!
We cannot do this alone. It is impossible or it will take too much time. An accountability partner is crucial to keep us on our toes. I am pretty lucky because my husband is my greatest partner. He takes care of one part of business, and I the other.
Each day we review our DMO, and then ask each other if we had completed a task that was set out for that day. We also have long range plans too.
Besides my husband, I also have my Google meet ups. Women like you inspire me and I learn and grow each week.
Donna
Sue Price says
Hi Donna
I am with your comment it is impossible to do it alone. I think we need accountability.
It is great that you and David work like you do. I have that with my husband Ivan to some degree but our businesses are both different.
I think your daily review of your DMO is excellent so thanks for that tip.
I too love our Google meet ups and yes you and the others inspire me too. I will see you tomorrow 🙂
Thanks for dropping by and for your comment Donna.
Sue
Joven Agno says
Hi Sue,
I have been into a lot of business partnership and sadly most of them are so irresponsible. I am not mad at them because a lot of them are my friends but what hurts inside me is you want to help them prosper and you invested a lot of time and money.
After reading this post of yours on how to have a “business soul mate” and now I have my pattern to follow before closing a business partnership.
Thank you for your helpful post!
Sue Price says
Hi Joven
Business partnerships do not always work. I have had some good ones and some bad ones over my business life so far.
I am pleased my post was helpful for you. Thanks for dropping by here and for commenting.
Sue
Carol Lynn says
I’m right on board with you, Sue! I can’t imagine anyone functioning without some peer pressure to keep them on the straight and narrow 🙂
I definitely work better when “someone is watching”. Sometimes that’s my husband (because we work together) but sometimes we get lazy together and that’s when we need peers. I have a great mastermind group, and when all else fails I just find someone I respect and tell them what I’m doing so they can nag me!
We can definitely not do it alone. We all need each other!
Sue Price says
Hi Carol
Thanks for sharing how you stay accountable. I know what you mean about how when it is your husband you can get lazy together we can have a tendency to do that too.
Great that you have a good mastermind group. I love that sort of support and interaction.
We do certainly need someone or others.
Thanks for dropping by here and have a great Thanks Giving.
Sue
Raena Lynn says
Hi Sue,
Wow, you have had so many interesting career experiences. You have proven that someone can come online having no clue of what they are doing and succeed!
I’ve had accountability partners on and off during my “online marketing career.” For the most part, they work. Having support and setting goals with a partner helps me to stay on track and reach my goals. There are certain characteristics which make a great partner and the “accountability” has to work both ways.
I have always been a member of tribes and mastermind groups, but my favorite so far is my present group of wonderful, inspiring bloggers and marketers. In addition to my groups, I am also grateful for my wonderful accountability partner. He has helped me tremendously and I would encourage anyone working their business to stop trying to do it alone. Seek out someone you would like to work with and get going! Make it a goal for 2013 to start the year out with your own accountability partner, or “business soulmate.” I love that term!
Raena Lynn
Sue Price says
Hi Raena
Yes my career has been diverse. I loved most of the things I have done at the time I was doing them. I just get to a point and want something new. If I can succeed online you bet anyone can. I did not know what a browser was! 🙂
I agree with you that the accountability must work both ways. I am sure some work and some do not.
I also love our tribe right now. I have been in a few and I enjoy them in the main. I find working from home way too lonely to not have some interaction. Getting on a hangout sort of feels like going to a real live meeting. I think sharing our ideas and hearing someone else’s perspective is a good thing.
I am with you I think doing it alone is just too difficult. It is a very rare person who can do that.
I am with you I too love “business soulmate”.
I hope you are enjoying your holiday weekend Raena and having some time for you.
Thanks for your feedback.
Sue
Anne Cybourg says
This really depends on what kind of person you are; for many people it’s good to have someone to share your experiences with and to lean on from time to time. Others, like me, can work well without them but there might be rare occasions where I’ll regret not having one. As a “lone ranger” as you put it, I do, indeed, constantly look for new challenges otherwise I’d get too bored. I keep in the back of my mind that change is always a good thing and moving forward is necessary to maintain a thriving business. That said, the lone ranger might not be enough. Consequently, I suppose at times I can benefit from a sort of support system whether it’s a family member, best friend or other confidante of whom I can bounce ideas off.
Sue Price says
Hi Anne
You would be one of the few people I have heard say they can work well without some form of accountability partner or group. Well done as you are certainly in the minority. I am self motivated but work much better when I have a person or group for support.
I had a look at your website but as my French is very limited I could not read very much. Your English is perfect so you clearly speak both languages well. Do you live in France?
Thanks for your comment here Anne I appreciate it.
Sue
Kelly Land says
Sue,
I just found your blog and love it. I have a large Avon team and I am always preaching accountability. Or at least touching base, reaching out – asking for help and offering help. It lets you know you’re not in it alone, which is important.
Also – after working at home for 10 years full time (after a full time career on air in radio) – I’ve found that working at home can be very lonely. It’s good to have support groups, friends – get out of the house…..
Everyone thinks an “at home” job or business is awesome – but there are sides to it that can be difficult. I find myself missing daily face-to-face human interaction. That’s why it’s always awesome to come across a blog like yours. Connecting with other people or like-minds is even more crucial today than ever because everyone is on the internet.
Thanks so much! Kelly 🙂
Sue Price says
Hi Kelly
Thanks for the feedback on my blog I really appreciate that.
Wow 10 years working from home sort of makes you a veteran. 🙂 I agree with you there are downsides and I too missing daily face to face interaction. It is therefore important we do connect. I am finding the blogging community awesome and supportive.
How long have you been online? I had a look at the link you had here which looks like a very innovative site.
Thanks again for your comment here Kelly. Have a great week.
Sue
Kelly Land says
Sue,
I’ve been online since 1992! I know!!! LONG time. But I’ve only worked full time from home since 2002, when the radio station I worked for went off the air. I had a 6 year old and a 1 year old – so I decided to work on my blog full time – and …. well, 10 years later – that’s what I’m still doing. But sometimes I get a twinge to go back into radio, or find a part time job outside the home – just to be around people, network, connect.
But blogs these are great too because it lets you know you are not alone 🙂
Kelly
Sue Price says
Hi Kelly
Wow you must have come online as soon as the internet started. Good on you.
I am sure that there are times you miss the buzz of working in radio. I know a couple of people who have worked in it and I know it seems to get into your veins.
It was great though you could work on your blog with young children. I agree blogging does give us a way to connect. I know some awesome bloggers.
Thanks Kelly for the additional share here.
Sue
Brankica says
I don’t really have an accountability partner in blogging (unfortunately, lol) but i do have one in my other pursue of results (fitness) and it had helped me immensely. I have to say it is always good to have someone check on us from time to time no matter what 🙂
Sue Price says
Hi Brankica
I certainly find it helpful to be at least part of a syndication group for blogging. I think you do that as well.
Oh and for fitness for sure. I am pretty good at making myself excessive but I get much better results when I am accountable.
Thank for your comment and have a great week.
Sue
Carol Minarcik says
Goodmorning Sue, Well I have been in networking for 20 years, I see some with success and I see some with failure. I feel the difference I see in the two groups is that the successful ones do practice accountability with a partner and do have monthly goals. The ones that fail have neither. So I sure would say accountability is very important. Thanks for the post and I will share with my group. Thanks.
Sue Price says
Hi Carol
After 20 years in Networking I am sure you really do understand the importance of accountability. It is interesting you site that and monthly goals as the two things people need to have in place to achieve success. That makes sense for sure.
Thanks for your comment Carol. You really have a great deal of experience in Networking.
Sue
Ken Pickard says
Sue,
You already know how much I love accountability partners and partnerships. From the first tribe / company “Empowered Tribe” I built to mastermind groups to my current accountability partner. They are a must.
IF…
If you want to grow more. If you’re complaisant then don’t bother. If you have that ego where you already know it all, then again don’t bother.
Although now I don’t really call my accountability partner that any more. We’re more of mastermind / strategy partner.
Some people think that as leaders we should not need an accountability partner to get our business done. i’m tending to agree with that on the concept of “checking in” but on the concept of 2 minds create a third…there’s nothing like having someone to bounce ideas off of.
Thanks for the great post.
Ken Pickard
The Network Dad
Sue Price says
Hey Ken
Yes I do know how much this is your topic Ken. You have built some awesome tribes. The blogging group I am a part of which you started is an awesome group of supportive people.
I agree with you that even as leaders we are better off with someone and I love how you put it “2 minds create a third”.
I think there are times too that someone else sees our abilities more than we see our own. I know that is true for me and for people I have been in partnerships with over time.
Thanks for dropping by here Ken and also thanks for all you do to have people connected.
Sue
Julia Spencer says
I think that this is a good deal to have an accountability partner, especially in blogging. Collaboration with other people can be only fruitful
Julia Spencer’s recent post.. An Ultimate Guide to Using Facebook Timeline Features
Sue Price says
Hi Julia
I agree I think with blogging it is really important to have support. I would not have persevered without my support network.
Thanks for your comment and happy holidays.
Sue
Life Insurance Vancouver says
I think having an accountability partner lessens the burden of dealing with the glitches that may occur to your business.
Sue Price says
I am glad you see the value in having an accountability partner.
Sue
web design santa barbara says
It’s great to have an accountability partner/s when you’re stuck and not sure how to proceed on an idea or maybe you need help deciding on whether or not to sell a product for a certain price, what website to focus your attention, etc.
Sue Price says
I agree with you they are many good examples of when accountability partners are valuable.
Thanks for your input.
Sue