Accountable2You » Resources » Accountability Partners » What Is an Accountability Partner?
An accountability partner is a trusted companion who helps you make progress toward a commitment you have made.
Look for someone who invites a two-way relationship.
So how do you find the right person? Generally, you should select a partner who is the same gender as you (unless it’s your spouse). Also, a good accountability partner supports your goals and values. He or she will help you build momentum to meet your commitments, focusing on your successes and the end goal.
Look for someone who invites a two-way relationship, being reasonably available for conversation. He or she should seek to understand your progress and humbly share lessons learned from personal successes and failures.
Helpful partners are kind, gentle, and gracious. They encourage, challenge, and remind you of your goal. They are free of personal interest in your success or failure—other than wanting to see you succeed.
Excellent partners are trustworthy, dependable, willing, and committed to helping you. They communicate clearly, directly, honestly, and respectfully. Good partners ask difficult questions when appropriate and make critical but helpful observations. They are trusted friends who keep matters appropriately confidential.
Your partner should expect growing successes along with reasonable failures.
Your partner should expect growing successes along with reasonable failures. He or she will help you brainstorm solutions if you get stuck.
And finally, a good accountability partner refuses to accept excuses or let you get away with doing less than you agreed to pursue.
While you are responsible for yourself, your partner can greatly help or even hinder your success. Use wisdom in finding a partner who will help you to achieve your goals.
Invest in an accountability relationship, and you will reap the benefits!