Accountability

Three Axioms[1] of Accountability[2]

The Accountability Fallacy

Let’s say I feel upset, annoyed, angry, furious about something you’ve said or done and, as a result of my feelings, I throw a jam jar through a window, or drive recklessly and crash my car. Because you upset me I blame you for the accident.

In short, I think you are 100% responsible; I am zero% responsible. This is a dangerous Fallacy!

Suppose that you are faced with a social worker who’s been a bit bolshie in the past, and here s/he is again. Indeed, you may have had a little skirmish with hir, and each of you – and the rest of panel – anticipates ‘an atmosphere’.

If, the next time you meet at panel, each picks up where they left off, both of you are less than likely to give of your best. If both indulge in the accountability fallacy, each will disclaim responsibility for their attitude and actions. Whatever the adults in the room feel, such behaviour does not serve the system, the agency, the adoptive parents or any child in question.

The Accountability Assumption

enables us to call people to account in a constructive, positive, principled way.

If every panel member assumes that every other panel member and every social worker actually wants to work constructively toward a positive outcome, to meet the expectations of the panel, to support and enable the adopters, and achieve outcomes that serve the needs of the family and the child/ren they look after.

Assuming negativity often generates negativity. Treating others on the premise that they also want things to work out well can bring out the best in them. And in you!

If panel members are willing to conduct themselves according to the third axiom and apply the Crafty approach, it is possible to create an energy field – a crafty ethos – that manifests the principles of Appreciative Inquiry,

 The Accountability Truth

‘Truth’ simply means that if things are going wrong, I could do something different.

I work on the premise that each of us is 50% responsible for what we collectively co-create (co-construct) in our moment-to-moment interpersonal transactions at work and at home. In the above scenario, for example, I could – and in my opinion should - be called to account if I pick up and lob a jam jar, or get into my car and drive recklessly. In short, I am responsible for how I deal with my feelings and how I choose to behave.

It is challenging to act on this axiom; so much easier to blame others than to take responsibility for what we contribute to the ongoing problems we experience. And yet, until and unless we do, we are likely to go on with the same old same old!