Saturday, April 7, 2012

What is Accountability?

One definition of ACCOUNTABILITY: the quality or state of being accountable; especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions. 

The willingness to take responsibility stems from our ability to see "our" part of a commitment and have full understanding of the elements of a situation and the dependencies. 

While researching this rich topic, I sought the usual sources of information, yet what i found myself desiring is a more REAL world view of this idea. I asked others to comment on a Facebook post about this topic. I got a full range of views on the topic. Some simple and concise and others rich and complex. Today, I will share a handful and add more this week as they come in.

The perspective that come up consistently was simply stated by Tina Warren "For me, it is "say what you'll do...and do what you say." to an extent, it is answering to someone or something outside of yourself for your choices and actions." The element of answering outside yourself is an intriguing one. A person, a process, a entity? Many are possible if we are willing to open ourselves to that. 

Many also mentioned their spiritual paths in regard to answering to God and being inspired by their faith to DO for others.  Hans E. Huntsinger beautifully states, "Keep our head in the clouds with Him who presides over us. But keep our feet firmly planted here on earth where WORK for our fellow man must take place..."

The richness of the faith filled ideas flowed, Kelli De Moro eloquently added, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Christ said this and made it very clear that the person you pass by a person without shelter, clothing, or someone is despair.. you are essentially passing him over. I try to make it a point in my life everyday to reach out to the "invisible" in our culture in small ways and sometimes not so small. That is my love for God and of course transcends into love for my brothers and sisters. ♥"
 
Another view that came up repeatedly is the willingness to put others first. That we are to understand that serving others is critical component.  "It's putting selfishness aside and living up to your responsibilities." as Michael O'Connell states. What a powerful view. 

 Halimeh Barrie added "...Of course it all depends on our character, and our desire to do right things, and maybe just appreciating that we have a responsibility to our fellow man to cover their backs and make sure they succeed at their mission, because we said we would, because we are accountable.

Jeffrey Spear added, "It's about doing the right thing. Treating others as you would prefer others treat you. It's also about being true to your word. If you say you're going to do something. Do it as promised... or even better. I love it when others exceed expectations and try to do the same for them." Love this idea of exceeding expectations. That is a rare view these days, when just getting by seems the norm. 

A colleague decided to take a holistic view and blended the intellect with faith in his post.
Ronald Tomas "The Wikepedia definition includes references "to improve both the internal standard of individual and group conduct as well as external factors, such as sustainable economic and ecologic strategies." Responsibility to one's self and society, in general. Matthew 5:13-16 states'"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses it flavor, how shall it be seasoned? it is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Not do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand , and it gives light to all who in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Accountability=shine your light so that you change your world!" 

Ron's approach helped me to better understand out ongoing desire to use both our heads and our hearts. wonderful and expansive.

I will be adding more to this post in the coming days. Stay tuned.

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