The Power of Accountability: With Accountability Partner Statistics

If inspiration has hit you (maybe you read a rousing book, or caught up with a friend who gave you an energy boost?), and you're ready to turn your life around, and go after the goals you've dreamt of achieving, you're probably looking up the best productivity techniques. And you'll probably find that one of the most popular recommendations is to find an accountability partner.

An accountability partner, who basically helps you set goals and holds you responsible for meeting them, is touted to help create the most successful leaders and individuals. But does an accountability partnership strategy really work? Has someone researched this, and where are the citations? I'm glad you asked!

What Accountability Partner Statistics Show

According to a study by the US Association for Talent Development, adding accountability to your goals dramatically improves your chances of fulfilling them. Here's how the research breaks down to the probabilities of goal completion:

Having an idea or goal: 10% chance of completion

Consciously deciding to do it: 25% chance of completion

Setting a deadline: 40% chance of completion

Planning how to go about it: 50% chance of completion

Committing to someone to do it: 65% chance of completion

Having a specific accountability appointment with someone holding you to your commitment: 95% chance of completion

I don't know about you, but we'll take those odds!

Here's another study, by the Dominican University of California. The researchers asked the participants to make business-related goals to complete within four weeks and then divided them into five groups:

Group 1 was told to simply think about  their goals in terms of difficulty, importance, their own skill levels and resources, their commitment and motivation and whether this was a goal they had pursued earlier.

Group 2 wrote down their goals and then rate them on the same key aspects as Group 1.

Group 3 wrote down their goals as well as action commitments for each of them.

Group 4 wrote down the goals, action commitments, and shared these with a friend

Group 5 wrote down the goals, action commitments, told their friend and then sent weekly progress reports to the friend too.

The study's results? People in Group 5 completed 76% of their goals, while those in Group 1 only finished 43%.

So clearly, there's something about having support from an accountability buddy that just leads to more goal success.

Why Accountability Partners Work

Position of Respect

Your accountability partner may be a colleague, a professional, a family member or friend, but when it comes to goals, they hold a position of authority over you. They're not just here to listen to your big dreams and plans, but actually make sure you're working on them and have set clear expectations of what they want you to achieve.

Independent Observers

Accountability partners have just one genuine interest--helping you achieve your goals. They are not as close or invested in the process as you are, which means they are able to look at the big picture, provide objective feedback and new insights that will help you see success.

Help with Motivation

If you're procrastinating on your goals because you feel they are too difficult, or that you won't be able to achieve them, your accountability partner will help provide encouragement and remind you of your strengths and ambitions when needed.

Help you Focus and Get Organized

If you're a little disorganized and lack time management and leadership skills, which affect your productivity, your accountability partner can provide some tips and techniques to improve your working styles and also make sure you're practicing them.

Convinced about accountability, but not sure how to go about finding an accountability partner? Here's some helpful tips:

Where To Look for an Accountability Partnership

Among Peers and Mentors

Whether you're a student, a working professional, on your entrepreneurial journey or just trying to work on good habits, you're surrounded by people with similar life goals and ambitions. Approach a classmate, gym buddy, teacher, mentor or colleague to build and establish an accountability partnership together -- maybe, you can make a shared commitment and hold each other responsible!

Peer Groups

Hobby and discussion groups, or in some cases support groups, are available at many community centers and online. Join one, share your goals, and ask one or more people to join and team up with you for accountability.

Accountability Partner Apps

All the rage in productivity nowadays, accountability partner apps and tools are everywhere, and have tons of different ways to keep you accountable. Examples are Beeminder and stickK, which penalize you for not completing your goals, or Boss as a Service (that's us!), where real bosses check in with you on your progress.

Lots of options! How do you make sure you end up with the right accountability partner? Keep these tips in mind:

How to Choose an Accountability Partner

Define your Agenda

Do you want this to be a shared commitment, or just focus on your own goals? Set clear expectations from the beginning, so you know what your potential partners want.

Check Alignment with your Goals

If it's a mutual accountability partnership, make sure the goals align. They don't have to be exactly the same, but if your focus is on your entrepreneurial journey and your partner wants to work on their fitness, you may not be able to build a rapport and give each other your 100%.

Figure Out if you want a Journey or Success Partner

Accountability can be of different kinds -- you may want your partner to simply check in and make sure you're doing the work, rather than on the success, progress or failure. Or, you may need someone who's pushing you to push for progress and more successful endeavors. Decide what you want and communicate the same.

Make Sure it Works with your Life

If you have a crazy schedule as it is, make sure getting an accountability partner is not just another chore. The regularity and reports should be as flexible or rigid as you like, but make sure you are clear about it.

Finding an accountability partner is just the beginning--you also need to make sure it is successful!

How to Get Started on your Accountability Partnership

Make a Schedule

Once you've found your right accountability partner though, figure out a system of check-ins, reports and communication. Make sure there is a rhythm -- it can't just be once a month, or whenever you feel like it. Consistency is key!

Check in Regularly

Even beyond your planned meets, if you have small updates or thoughts to share, communicate them immediately so you can start to develop an understanding of each other.

Be Honest about Setbacks

No one likes admitting failures, but if you hide things from your accountability partners, they won't be able to help you effectively.

Seek and Accept Feedback and Advice

Don't be afraid to ask for advice and feedback at regular intervals, so you know what stuff you may be doing right or wrong. Also, accept the constructive feedback and try to work on understanding it.

Provide Mutual Support

If it's a two-way relationship, make sure you're putting in as much energy and effort as you want them to give you.

Reiterate the Relationship

Periodically, check in on whether the system is working or if there's a need for change and improvement.

How BaaS Works as an Accountability Partner

Boss as a Service is a unique accountability partner tool--with several features rolled in one! Our real, live bosses are only focused on making sure you meet your goals, and will do whatever they can to help. This includes checking in every day, providing productivity and anti-procrastination tips and even introducing you to our friends at Beeminder and stickK for some extra push and motivation.

Final Thoughts

Accountability partnerships are proven methods of boosting productivity and achieving your goals.