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What is personal accountability?
Personal accountability is a cornerstone of a thriving and effective workplace.
Extending beyond mere responsibility, personal accountability embodies the commitment to own our actions, whether they lead to success or pose challenges.
This mindset is especially crucial in veterinary care, where the stakes are often life and death.
This new three-part series will explore how embracing personal accountability can revolutionise your work life.
In part one, we’re taking a walk down the Yellow Brick Road and introducing the four steps of the Oz Principle. We’ll discuss how these steps offer a strategic approach to navigating complex decisions and underscore the impact of personal accountability on our profession.
Have you ever worked with someone who never accepts responsibility when things go wrong? They arrive late because the alarm clock isn’t loud enough, the traffic is too heavy, or someone else forgot to wash their uniform.
These individuals are trapped in the victim cycle, engaging in ‘below the line’ thinking and behaviour, always blaming external factors rather than taking ownership of their actions.
To truly understand personal accountability, we need to recognise this pattern and shift our mindset to ‘above the line’ thinking by asking ourselves, “What else could I have done?”. This mindset shift is the foundation of Roger Connors’ Oz Principle.
Let’s explore how we can rise above the line and embrace the four steps to personal accountability.
Many of you know the story of the Wizard of Oz. Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas, is swept away to the magical land of Oz. In her quest to return home, she is joined by three companions – a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Lion; each seeking something they believe only the Wizard of Oz can provide. Together, they embark on a journey along the Yellow Brick Road, facing challenges and encountering iconic characters, like the Wicked Witch of the West, along the way.
Spoiler Alert! There is no Wizard of Oz, and Dorothy could have returned home anytime she liked with the famous line: “There’s no place like home”. The novel teaches a valuable lesson about personal accountability: neither the Lion, Tin Man, nor Scarecrow needed the Wizard.
They all had the power within themselves…
The Oz Principle, based on Roger Connors’ model, involves four key steps:
These steps are crucial in solving many workplace and personal challenges, including procrastination and a lack of responsibility.
Individuals who embody personal accountability are those we can rely on to get the job done. If they hit a hurdle, they’ll work hard to find a solution. They don’t waste time complaining or making excuses, but instead rise above their circumstances.
Here’s how each of us can apply the Oz Principle:
Gain a full perspective on the situation. Understand the big picture and the details, considering the perspectives of clients, team members, and even patients. The more perspective you have, the easier it is to take the next step.
Acknowledge your part in the situation. Personally accountable people find the part they can own, no matter how small, and start working towards a solution. It may be offering words of encouragement or ensuring accurate client data entry.
Work towards a solution. If you can’t think of a solution, seek advice from colleagues or friends. Personally accountable people are focused on getting to the bottom of the challenge.
Take action – it’s not just about setting goals or intentions but taking the necessary steps to bring them to life.
Embracing personal accountability by adhering to these principles can lead to transformative outcomes.
Remember, it’s not just a concept from a book; it’s a philosophy that can transform your work, leading to growth and achievement.
In Part 2, we’re delving deep into workplace procrastination and how the Oz Principle’s four steps can help turn intentions into actions.
Michael Powell is a veterinarian and co-director of Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business. He’s responsible for several research projects into veterinary attrition, forming and chairing the 2018 Veterinary Shortage Think Tank, as well as leading a world-first Sustainability Pilot Study across 25 countries investigating targeted non-technical competency training in building resilience and career fulfillment. Since 2011, his company has been shaping a brighter future for the veterinary industry through research-driven education and support, having empowered over 1,500 veterinary professionals in 27 countries to enjoy more professional fulfillment and wellbeing, as well as securing the commercial prosperity of the organisations they work within.
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Embracing personal accountability can revolutionise your veterinary life, but not taking control of procrastination can seriously hinder your progress. We hope you enjoyed our thought provoking introduction to personal accountability in Part 1 of this series! We made...
