The Power of Personal Accountability

by Sophie Chiche and Mark Samuel

Book Overview

Objective: To be more successful - at work, at home, even at play. To improve relationships with clients, co-workers, family and friends. To realize your potential, get more done, fulfill your dreams.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0975263811
• ISBN13: 9780975263815
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Xephor Press
• Length: 155 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.3" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Two "Loops": Which to select?

I just read this book as well as the more recently published Creating the Accountable Organization and highly recommend both. Now more than ever before, the issue of personal accountability is critically important to all organizations (regardless of size or nature) and will become even more important in years to come. In this volume, Samuel and Chiche present a number of insights whose foundation is what they call "The Personal Accountability Model." It can guide and inform efforts to live a deliberate life, an accountable life, one in which professional success and personal happiness are interdependent rather than mutually exclusive as is so often the case. Samuel and Chiche come across to me as being clear-headed idealists and warm-hearted pragmatists. They suggest that people usually resist accountability because of three fears: of blame, of failure, and of success. They examine each of these fears and suggest how to overcome them. They also identify and examine various "rewards" to those who are personally accountable. It is important to keep in mind that both those who resist holding themselves accountable are often the same people who (if not resent) resist being held accountable by someone else. Hence the importance of "buying into" the potential rewards. This is an especially important point for supervisors who are required to hold others accountable for their performance. They must understand various fears and respond to them appropriately, especially in terms of body language and tone-of-voice. Also, they must help those entrusted to their care to understand why holding themselves personally accountable really is in their own best interests. I was especially interested in what Samuel and Chiche have to say about the "Victim Loop" from which so many people seem unwilling and/or unable to escape. Those who select the "Accountability Loop" proceed through a sequence of recognition, ownership, forgiveness (of themselves as well as of others), self-examination, learning, and eventually taking appropriate action. Those who select the "Victim Loop" proceed through a sequence of ignorance, denial, blame (usually of others), rationalization, resistance, and ultimately, they "go into hiding." They must then cope with the consequences of that choice...and many do so by choosing to repeat the same sequence,. They are indeed "victims" but voluntary ones who continue to suffer from self-inflicted wounds, real or imagined. Readers will appreciate the care with which Samuel and Chiche examine a series of very sensitive, potentially volatile situations in which there is a significant breakdown in communication or a loss of trust or a sense of betrayal. Those who accept personal accountability make every reasonable effort to resolve disagreements and even significant conflicts. They fully meet all of their obligations. Their word really is their "bond." In negotiations (whatever the given issues), they do everything they can to reach a mutually

I expected a lot, and got more!

I have read a great deal in the personal growth and buisness development fields and am not easily impressed anymore. It all seems the same - until now. At first I wasn't sure about the Power of Personal Accountability, but as I got into it I was quickly emersed in the ideas and the practical steps given to look at things differently; I could actually feel the book impacting my thoughts and actions. It's more than a book, it is hard to describe, but it gives life, language and practicality to a powerful way of being in the world. The concepts in this book have changed my life; I see choices more clearly and make them with greater peace and higher intention. Check it out and give it a chance - there is something here for everyone!!!

Empowering!

This book is a great treasure. Written with clarity and wisdom, it stirs a deep awakening and reminds us of those things we ought to already know, but have somehow forgotten. I feel renewed, inspired and free.

Wow, I am achieving what matters to me!

This book is such a great resource for my daily life and for the work I do as a life coach. No matter what situation I find myself in, I can't help but know that I have a choice. It's not always easy, but when I move through the Accountability Loop I experience freedom...and, well, I simply feel better and the situation improves. From this perspective I have more clarity, objectivity and compassion. The Power of Personal Accountability delivers a profound message for self-improvement and does so in clear steps and engaging exercises. I highly recommend it.

Transformational!

The Power of Personal Accountability is truly transformational. The authors present a clear, easy-to-read, and thoughtful message that nudges the reader to reflect on positive accountability. While most people are used to the negative side of accountability ("who is responsible or accountable for this mess?"), the authors present the positive side of accountability. I loved the book. It is an easy read and powerful beyond its covers!