Developing Accountability

By Maria Murphy

One of the scariest things we see these days is the lack of personal accountability in the world.  The now common phrase, “not my job” has become a deeply rooted cultural dynamic.  How does that impact and shape today’s youth?  Well, we can’t say it’s a good thing. Every day, we see how lack of accountability weakens the foundation of our cultural strength.  How can a mentor help their student be different?  Take a look for some ideas.

Accountability = Power

Lack of accountability is nothing more than thinly veiled apathy and helplessness. Accountability, on the other hand, is closely linked to a sense of empowerment and personal control.  When someone takes accountability that person is not afraid to "own" their responsibilities.  When we teach kids to be accountable, we teach them to harness their own sense of power.  This promotes personal wellbeing, improves mood and helps both individuals and the community as a whole.

Do as I Do

As mentors, we have the ability to influence the kids we help.  To teach accountability, we must live it.  This is simple.  Use whatever opportunity you have to demonstrate your accountability.  “I promised I would be here today and I am accountable for that.”  “It is my job to help you with math and I can’t answer that question.  Its my responsibility to learn how to do it and show you next time we meet.”  Using the term, interpreting it, and practicing it with your student is the surest way to teach them accountability.

Shape an expectation

There is a saying that kids will give you what you expect of them.  What happens when you begin to “shape” your student toward accountability?  Shaping is not dramatic change. Rather, a slow evolution. Remember, with that accountability comes a personal sense of power, one of the best gifts we can give to our kids. What happens when you begin to shape your student toward accountability?  Here is an example.  “You are accountable to bring your reading.  That is what I expect of you.”  You begin to move your student away from excuses and patterns of helplessness and toward empowerment and accountability. Slowly work your student in the direction of being more accountable.  This is merely making them aware of the terminology, letting them know what you expect and encouraging any signs of accountability you see in your student.  If you look carefully enough, you will see plenty! Remember, the fact that they are meeting with you is an enormous example of being accountable.

Consider your own power as a mentor to impact and shape the skills of your students.  Accountability is an achievable goal when you acknowledge it, practice it and encourage and expect it in your student.

Good luck and remember the power of your every contribution!

Please feel free to go to: http://tutormentorconnection.ning.com to discuss this article.

Maria Murphy writes a monthly Tutor/Mentor Coaching Tip for this site and has been a presenter for Cabrini Connection’s Tutor/Mentor Conference. She is a speaker, consultant and writer. Other articles can be found on her Mentoring Simply Put blog or her blog column at www.simplypputtogether.com.