T.A. Wilson & Associates

Last week I attended two networking events. One was put on by the alumni association of my college the other was done by a professional marketing person.  Both were free and both had the goal of networking but they were total opposites of each other.

The event put on by my college alumni association could have been a waste of my time had I not had some clear stated goals in mind prior to attending. I fully knew that this would be a staged event for students of the school who will be graduating this year or have recently graduated. The give away was the panel discussion on networking. Professional networking events don’t have panel discussions on networking.

As sat through a presentation that was of little benefit to me I found myself wondering why I had bothered to attend the event. That was quickly doused when I had the opportunity to talk to some of the students that came to my table to talk to me about my business. They were keenly interested in what I did and how I got started. Of course they were pitching me for a job, which I didn’t have as I’m a solo practitioner which I clearly explained to them. It didn’t stop them from trying.

But what I got to see was the energy, drive and passion they had around their chosen field. Unfortunately too many of them were interested in the world of finance and had ideas of making it big on Wall Street. While I couldn’t help any of them with a job, I was able to offer advice and encouragement which I feel several of them appreciated, though I think they would have rather walked out with a salary offer.

The second event, as I said was geared to professionals those of us who were looking to connect with other businesses. This particular event discourages those who are looking for jobs. In fact they explicitly state that job seekers are not welcome. It seems rather harsh, but their stated goal is to connect business people to other business people. It’s safe to say there are some job seekers who slip in and do pitch you for a job. However, for the most part the folks that attend this event were there to talk about their business and wanted find out what you do.

At this second event, it seems the majority of the people were desperately pressing to get their elevator speeches completed. It was a race to see who could be the first to ask, “So what is that you do?”  

However, something interesting happened. I was standing with a friend and as I listen to how he responded to the question, he followed up with this, “so tell me how I can help you, is there anyone here I can help you meet or introduce you to?” Two great questions, I’m going to try it at the next networking event I attend. It was clear he was there to see if he could help someone not necessarily walk away with business. My guess is that one of two things will happen. He will get some business from the people who call him, or he will get some good referrals to people he can help.

I’m going to take a queue from my friend and try it at the next networking event I attend. I think it will make the next event very interesting.

Lately there has been a great deal of talk about accountability but does anyone really know what it means? The word accountable means to render an account. It surely seems that’s how the majority of people view accountability, – rendering an accounting for one’s actions.

But it seems so reactive. It’s after the fact it comes about, after the damage has been done. It implies that one should have known or anticipated the potential for failure and because you didn’t you will be held accountable and punish for your lack of foresight. It’s as if accountability = punishment. Is there any wonder why people shy away from taking a leadership position?

Developing an environment where people are encouraged to act in a proactive manner where accountability is viewed the way the authors of The Oz Principle define it, “A personal choice to rise above one’s circumstances and demonstrate the ownership for achieving desired results.”  Will provide the encouragement people need to view accountability as something not to fear but rather embrace. (http://tawilsonassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Ten-Steps-to-Convincing-Your-Team-That-Accountability-Isnt-a-Bad-Word.pdf)

When Messrs Connors, Smith & Hickman laid out this definition they provided us with the means to view accountability in a proactive manner, that would – hopefully – lead to people taking the initiative to move forward because they were empowered and did not have to wait to be told what to do. It’s this type of accountability that gives us the stories about Nordstrom employees, who wrap Christmas gifts for customers, bought at other stores, or how a Ritz Carlton hotel manager flew to a customer’s house to deliver a reimbursement check because their hotel laundry failed to remove a stain from the customer’s suit before he left.

To invoke this level of accountability requires a management team that encourages individuals to take ownership of the situation. To be willing to move proactively and not fall back on the common refrain, “it’s not my job.” It means that the management team must clearly lay out what they mean by accountability. It means that they demonstrate – by example – the type of accountability they expect from their direct reports.

By being exemplars of the proactive accountability they are showing they indeed know what accountability means.

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