From the LBJ Presidential Library…
The Challenge of Accountability
We hear “accountability” used a lot these days. If we’re all so eager to hold others (individuals and organizations) more accountable, why does so little progress seem to be achieved? Why is there seemingly and practically so little EFFECTIVE accountability? My Uncle Thurman likes to say, “The world would be a great place…were it not for the people!”
We know accountability when we experience it. However, in this challenging time, we’ve got to raise our game if our efforts at accountability are going to lead to constructive change. There are lots of good folks and community-minded organizations working to elevate their communities. Our friends in the mirror can play a big role in their success. We can only hold others to account if we have a mutual understanding of the challenge at hand, and are willing to step up to model creative, cooperative problem solving. This takes leadership, organization, and commitment.
Accountability incorporates goal-setting, measurable results, and timelines to hold the process and participants accountable. Quite simply, it’s the responsibility for getting things done…on any scale.
Some Setbacks to Accountability
—Poorly vetted “leaders”…
—Poorly conceived programs…
—Lack of consensus on goals and objectives…
—Insufficient vested interests to expect better…
—Incompetent governance…
—Insufficient authority (legal, political or otherwise) to discipline/influence the accountability process…
And Now…Individual and Collective Examples of How to Do Accountability Right
SARA HICKMAN…A Great Example of Effective (and accountable) Community Service
Sara Hickman…Great Community Activist…Charismatic Leader…Past Texas State Musician of Year
Sara is a delightful role model for effective community service. While she “retired” from constant concert performance a couple of years ago, she’s still enjoying selective music gigs and answering the call for community good works where the spirit moves her. She gets a great idea, rallies friends and patrons, and makes things happen. We feel a natural accountability borne from loyalty to Sara, with the broader knowledge that good works will be accomplished.
Sara’s project interests involve diversity, direct community benefit, and the opportunity to include many others in the realization of her goals. The best essence of “community.” An ultimate byproduct of effective ACCOUNTABILITY.
Rallying Community Resources To Address Significant Challenges
Promo from The Greater Austin Chamber’s nationally-recognized economic development program…
Austin Has Challenges, But Also Significant Resources…
In 1989, Austin was in an atypical economic slump, and The Greater Austin Chamber wanted to launch a major economic revival initiative to address this challenge that involved many community sectors. Chamber Chair Pike Powers asked me to Chair the effort, and we rallied business, education, the faith-based community and numerous civic and media groups to realize our goals. ACCOUNTABILITY on a large scale, among many diverse interests. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognized our efforts by naming “Buy Greater Austin” the top local economic development program in the Country. Many longer-term benefits grew from this initiative.
Austin and many other communities need major boosts to significant partnerships that can positively impact education, healthcare, infrastructure, social justice, diversity, the arts and environmental integrity. Public/private partnerships can make a big difference, if pursued in good faith. Many levels of accountability will evolve.
Partnerships leverage community resources. ACCOUNTABILITY influences their success.
