The balance between self-discovery, accountability, and action is delicate in the entrepreneurial journey. Each aspect plays a critical role in defining the success or failure of a venture. The difference between those who merely dream and those who achieve is often found in their approach to accountability. As John Lemme aptly puts it, "Accountability separates the wishers in life from the action-takers that care enough about their future to account for their daily actions." This statement underscores the transformative power of accountability in turning visions into reality.
Holding Space for Self-Discovery
A deep, introspective understanding of one's goals, motivations, and values is the foundation of every successful entrepreneurial endeavor. When I started Superstruct, it was a culmination of decades of learnings. I had to feel confident enough in my ability to share, but also know that I was on a journey too.
Holding space for self-discovery allows each of us founders to align our vision with our business objectives, making it all possible. This process involves active listening, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach, especially in conversations with mentors, coaches, or accountability partners. According to an article in Inc. Magazine, fostering a culture where leaders model the behaviors they wish to see is crucial for creating an environment conducive to growth and accountability.
As part of the work we are doing, our commitment to working with founders is critically aligned with holding space. Our 360º Assessment + Growth Plan, gives you a chance to Zoom Out and define the crucial aspects of your business and hold yourself accountable to the path you are on.
The Role of Accountability Partners
Holding people accountable through formal arrangements or informal partnerships provides a structure for progress and achievement. An accountability partner acts as a mirror, reflecting the commitments made and the progress towards those commitments. They challenge, motivate, and support the founder in equal measure. The impact of this relationship is profound, as detailed in Inc. Magazine, which highlights the significance of consistent accountability practices within organizational cultures*.
I wanted to share an example, so here are contrasting paths of two FoodTech founders, Emma (who involves a community) and Lucas (who wants to do it independently).
Emma engaged an accountability partner early in her startup journey. This partner was more senior to her and had been in the building phase before. The partner helped her set clear, measurable goals and remain focused on her objectives, even when faced with challenges. She also built outside of her four walls in San Francisco, joining founder groups and a co-working space called MISTA where she could connect with other founders on her journey. She was open, shared her challenges, and sought help when needed, especially from her partner. Emma believed she had something unique in the market and that only she could build it because she knew how hard it was to execute.
Lucas, chose to go it alone, relying solely on his internal drive. He had difficulty connecting with others and felt better behind the computer or in the lab figuring out how to do it himself. Indeed, if it wasn't yet on the market, it was because someone had yet to figure it out before, and this was his unique IP. He was nervous to share because he believed others would take his ideas and build them better. Lucas's venture struggled to gain traction, hampered by missed opportunities and a lack of direction.
Emma's experience underscores the tangible benefits of accountability: staying on course, making informed decisions, and achieving sustainable growth. She also brought a sense of confidence and growth mindset to the table which are critical.
The Essence of Self-Accountability
Self-accountability is the commitment to follow through on actions, reflect on progress, and adjust course as necessary. It is a personal promise to uphold one's standards and to remain faithful to one's vision. This internal drive is fueled by the self-awareness cultivated through holding space for self-discovery and is reinforced by the structure provided by accountability partners. Articles in both Inc. Magazine and Harvard Business Review stress the importance of self-accountability in achieving personal and professional goals, highlighting it as a cornerstone of effective leadership and entrepreneurship.
Weaving Together Self-Discovery, Accountability, and Action
The interplay between self-discovery, accountability, and action creates a dynamic framework for success. It begins with a foundation of self-understanding, builds with the support of accountability partners, and culminates in a commitment to self-accountability. This framework is not theoretical but is rooted in practical steps and real-world insights.
This new iteration of business with Superstruct started with introspection. I defined my personal and business values; one of those was that I wanted to be surrounded by great people. The second was that this year, 2024, is my year of accountability. Over last summer, I accidentally encountered Benjamin Marken, a business owner from Long Island who was a lot like me – wanting to build, but things kept getting in his way. We fell into being each other's accountability partners, which means that once a month or so, we check in and see how the other has met their goals. It is just 30 minutes a month to make sure that our challenges are not holding us back. This partnership has given me the external perspective and motivation needed to navigate the challenges of getting Superstruct off the ground.
I am also committed to regular self-reflection, setting aside weekly time to review progress and adjust strategies. Without this, I am just heads down, heading in one direction or another, and that never nets a positive result. My extreme dedication to self-accountability, coupled with the support of my accountability partner Ben is making this growth possible. The strategic review piece is what comes out most in the 360º Assessment + Growth Plan for me. I do it for myself quarterly and in that case I often bring in my friend Uwe Dockhorn from ROIAL™ who I trust to help me stay on track for where I want to go.
Practical Steps Forward
Entrepreneurs looking to integrate these principles into their journey can follow a few key steps:
Engage in Regular Self-Reflection: Allocate time for introspection to understand your motivations, strengths, and areas for growth.
Select an Accountability Partner: Choose someone who shares your values but is willing to challenge you constructively.
Set SMART Goals: Define Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives for both personal development and business growth.
Establish Regular Check-ins: Schedule consistent meetings with your accountability partner to discuss progress, setbacks, and adjustments.
Embrace a Growth Mindset: View challenges as opportunities for learning and development and be open to changing strategies as needed.
Another critical area for me has been having my partner Spring Hollis and our team Slack Channel. Without regular communication with the team, asking them for help and support, I would have been on an island developing on my own. Spring and I do a 4pm Monday regular weekly check-in. Even if we are traveling, we connect and discuss what's going on. I note each point in our Slack Channel, which helps define our goals for the week ahead. On Thursday, I posted what I accomplished or have not achieved this week to our Slack channel. Knowing I have to do that forces me to dig in.
But the key to this approach to partner-accountability is that while Spring is there to HOLD SPACE (thank you to my friend, Lisa Borden – an accountability expert and coach who told me this is what most founders need) for me to be accountable, it is still on me to figure out what I hope to accomplish. It is also on me to document if I accomplished it. In the past, I would have relied on her to tell me what to do, and the outcome was never the way to get me to do the work. It makes me spin out on disappointing someone else instead of realizing the person I most disappointed was ME.
In Emma's instance above, this holds true. She created the plan and then allowed her partner to hold space for her to accomplish what she needed. She was still mostly accountable to herself.
This comprehensive approach, rooted in self-discovery, supported by accountability, and driven by self-accountability, creates a robust foundation for entrepreneurial success. By integrating these principles, entrepreneurs can navigate the complexities of starting and growing a business with greater clarity, purpose, and resilience.
The journey of entrepreneurship is as much about personal growth as it is about business success. The integration of holding space for self-discovery, engaging in meaningful accountability relationships, and cultivating a strong self-accountability offers a holistic framework for achieving both. As entrepreneurs embark on this journey, we are reminded that the path to success is not walked alone but is a collaborative endeavor enriched by introspection, support, and personal commitment to action. Through this integrative approach, the visionaries of today become the successful leaders of tomorrow, embodying the essence of Lemme's observation: they are not merely wishers but action-takers, deeply invested in their future and diligent in their daily endeavors.
For further exploration of these concepts, consult the rich resources available through Inc. Magazine, Harvard Business Review, and other publications dedicated to advancing business leadership and personal development. These sources provide entrepreneurs with invaluable insights and practical advice at every stage of their journey. We will also publish through our blog in a bi-weekly manner.
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