An accountability team

Years ago, I heard John, after hearing one of our granddaughters say to another “You’re not the boss of me,” respond that “Everyone has a boss.” The three girls questioned him about that. He went on to explain that he was accountable to their parents for their care, he had to answer to the bank for the checks that he wrote and he and I wanted every day to live up to the vows that we had made to each other. But, most of all, God is his boss.

I have been blessed with having people in my life who have been willing to help and to guide me. Then, 26 months ago, I emailed seven women and asked them to help me to define my future, to plan my today and to hold me accountable to my calling. I asked them to serve as my new “boss.”

It was an odd thing for me to ask of them. You see, I don’t really like supervision or scrutiny. I don’t have a problem finding my way with the help of my amazing spouse. And, I don’t like having people tell me what to do. But, it was important for me to have this group of seven – all strong willed, independent thinking women, with diverse backgrounds and talents – receive reports I would make to them and for them to provide feedback and guidance to me.

Thomas Paine wrote, “A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody.”

Maybe you do have a boss at work. Perhaps there is someone who reviews production, resource use, or time and attendance. And, your spouse and family may be reminders of promises made and futures to be shared.

But, are the other people around us encouraging us to focus on our goals, to stay true to our commitments? Do our golf or shopping buddies trash talk our boss, our church or our family? Do our social media “friends” inspire us to live lives of integrity and to focus on the right things? How about our sports or entertainment “favorites”? Do the examples they set reflect our dreams, our culture, or our faith?

No doubt that some of our “bosses” are easily identified. But, the ones that we select for ourselves, the people who we invite into our lives, hearts and minds, will make a difference.

Do you have an accountability team that helps you live a better life and achieve your dreams? If not — I can help you start one this week.