Introduction
When you have decided to engage an accountability partner, what is the first thought that comes to mind? As a businessperson looking to find the right accountability partner, you might be worried that you will not find someone. While it is true that an accountability partner is not a common circumstance, there are abundance of other workers looking for accountability partners too.
You are not alone in your search, and it can be helpful to have someone who understands what it is like to tackle business responsibilities. Or if you are a remote or hybrid worker, it is even more important to select an accountability partner because of the sometimes-lonely role you play and juggling both home and business duties.
Suggestions to Find the Right Accountability Partner
4 considerations when you are concerned how to find the right accountability partner are:
- Create a List of Potential Candidates
- Look for Matching Values
- Start with a Short-term Arrangement
- Consider Paid Options
1. Create a List of Potential Candidates
The initial step you should take when looking for an accountability partner is to make a list of people you already know that might be a good match. You can start by thinking of co-workers in your department or workers in other areas of your firm that have complementary functions. Or those with similar jobs to yours but work on different projects. But may be an accountability partner in your company feels a little too personal. Then you might consider a worker who performs your function but in a different company or industry.
You should also think about any networking groups that you participate in. Is there anyone there that you connected with, and feel might be a good business match?
Of course, you do not have to limit your search to offline networking groups. You can also look for a virtual accountability partner if you like. Make a post in Facebook or LinkedIn groups explaining your search to find the right accountability partner. Let people you meet know you are looking for one, and what your needs are. You may get a response from someone that would be pleased to collaborate with you because they have the same objective as you.
2. Look for Matching Values
Carefully consider your potential accountability partner. What is an important trait when you are trying to find the right accountability partner? You want someone in your corner that shares your values. If you have conflicting values, neither of you will get the most from your accountability sessions. For example, if you value helping employees succeed more than anything else, but your partner values furthering his or her career first, even at the expense of her employees then you are not going to relish your partnership very much. You cannot be supportive of each other because your values are not in alignment.
Before you agree to begin an accountability partnership with someone, take time to do your research. Look at their past actions, reputation, and character. Are they always complaining about their subordinates? Do they share negative news constantly? Do employees who previously worked for him have a low opinion of him and his style? These are all warning signs that you may not be a good match with this other worker, that you have not found a correct match yet, and that you should continue your search for the right one.
3. Start with a Short-term Arrangement
When you find another businessperson that you think might make a good accountability partner, then the real process begins. Make sure to keep things informal at first before you commence the endeavor. You want to agree to a limited time arrangement in the range of about six weeks to three months. This will be good trial period to work out a mutually agreeable process, assess the arrangement, work the kinks out and begin to see preliminary results. After this period, you can evaluate your partnership and decide if you would like to continue it.
Plan for an hour or so for your first meeting. This will offer you and your partner time to talk about your core values, your goals, and your business principles. Keep your first meeting’s agenda at a higher level and not try to get into the details or the specifics of what you want to accomplish going forward.
It can be motivating to get to know your accountability partner so take your time and do not rush your first session together.
4. Consider Paid Options
When you are searching for and trying to find the right accountability partner you might just discover something interesting. Sometimes, you need more help than one or two accountability partners can offer. In that case, you may want to consider paying to join an accountability group or business mastermind. These groups give you a chance to meet regularly online and talk with other business personnel and business owners. If this kind of support still is not enough, consider hiring a business coach to guide you through your business goals and action items.
Wrap-up
It can take time to find the right accountability partner that you connect with. Just keep patiently searching and you will eventually discover an associate that is a solid fit for you.
Review
Why find an accountability partner – Having an accountability partner to give you feedback or generate ideas will keep you motivated to produce.
Your accountability partner will keep you on track with your goals and activities, particularly when you find it impossible to do so yourself.
Find the right accountability partner – Define your goals. Finding a suitable partner involves setting clear goals. Discuss with coworkers to find an accountability partner you trust and value. Interview possible partners to understand their experience, skills and what they bring to an accountability partnership.
Make an ideal candidate list and write down potential candidates who satisfy your goals.
Understand your value system and seek those who match your values.
Kick off the process once you have hit on a match and keep meetings short and informal in the beginning.
Agree on a trial period to see if the arrangement will work out.
Finally, if fellow workers cannot suffice, consider paid options among consultants, counsellors and coaches who can provide the very support that you believe you need. An advantage of hiring this support is that they are trained people who will work for your goals, and you will not need to reciprocate as you would with a co-worker.
Flexicrew Support
If you need support in achieving your workforce goals, Flexicrew will help in shaping your workforce vision and in recruiting the talent you need to fulfill your goal.
If you would like support in recruiting your next new hire, please contact one of our professional recruiters who have many years’ experience in staffing.