“You are only setting the course for tomorrow when you build in follow up and accountability.”

Have you ever been in a meeting where no one could remember who was responsible from a previous meeting for progress on an issue or event your team was dealing with? We talked about it. Who was going to take care of that? I thought you were? Not me. I thought someone else was handling it. Meetings can be frustrating when actions for future progress are made yet no accountability and follow up are assigned.

Many meetings in church and business end without any commitment to follow up or accountability. Without commitment to follow up the likelihood of accomplishment diminishes dramatically. In a meeting, when a decision is made requiring action, assignments for undertaking the task should also be made. When assignments are made or challenges issued if follow-up does not occur, accountability wanes. A good leader instills the need for assignments to be made and a course of accountability is set.

In the story of Turnaround Journey, chapter four, no action decisions were made in the meeting. Therefore, one may not see a need for follow up and accountability. Reading this chapter you will notice however how Pastor Tim closes the meeting: “Let’s go get some lunch and commit to pray for these decisions and the implementation of things to come.” Does he build in follow up and accountability? Certainly. “Let’s go get some lunch and commit to pray…” With three words he gave the assigned follow up and accountability. The assignment was not only to pray, but to commit to pray. And the one word commit also depicts accountability.

Regardless of what your team, staff, or committee is contemplating, if there is no follow up and accountability taking place, is there really any forward progress taking place? Even in what seems to be routine meetings (preparing a budget, reviewing the church calendar, discussing present or future ministries) you are only setting the course for tomorrow when you build in follow up and accountability. Like preaching or teaching without issuing a challenge, are you not in effect only dispensing knowledge? Dispensing knowledge does not cause learning or growth. Though it might produce trivia buffs.

In Turnaround Journey, Pastor Tim, just prior to his statements for follow up and accountability, took time to thank his team members, acknowledging their good work and his appreciation. If you are not in the habit of continually thanking your team, staff, and others working with you, it is a good habit to get into. Verbal thanks and words of appreciation are always good. Beyond words, look for other ways to share your appreciation with your direct reports, team and staff as well. Gratitude goes a long way in future performance from team members and others.

Practice building in follow up and accountability in all your meetings and ministry. Jesus did; follow-up and accountability were active parts of each meeting, lesson, and teaching session with His disciples.

For more information on these topics purchase your copy of Turnaround Journey and contact George Yates at SonC.A.R.E. Ministries.