“We’ll see…”
“I’ll do my best….”
“I’ll try….”
The best accountability-killer phrases known to man.
In his article ”How to Build Accountability“ for Corp! Magazine, Lee Colan makes the point that “Accountability is like rain - everyone knows it’s good for you but nobody wants to get wet.” So it’s time to get wet.
Speaking with specificity creates a sense of accountability and commitment. Use, and encourage your employees to use, phrases like:
- Yes, I will.
- I am not sure but I will give you a firm answer by noon tomorrow.
- I will make the time to get this done.
- I promise to close the loop by noon tomorrow so we can proceed.
- By Friday, March 18 at 2:00 pm Central.
- I will make it happen.
- Do. Or do not. There is no try.
Don’t use, and don’t let your staff use, phrases like:
- We’ll see.
- I’ll try.
- If I have the time for this.
- I will get back to you on that.
- Maybe.
- When I get around to it.
- Dude, chill. Like, it will get done when it is meant to get done.
