Without a doubt, spending time alone without distractions can increase your productivity. But that doesn’t work for everyone and might not work in every scenario. Sometimes working with others can give us the boost we need to get more done. In this post, I’ll discuss using an accountability buddy as a productivity partner.
What are Accountability Buddies?
Accountability buddies are excellent productivity partners. They motivate, support, and challenge each other as they work toward their goals. An accountability buddy might be the perfect productivity partner if you prefer external motivation (approval or consequences from someone else).
How to Benefit from an Accountability Buddy
Find the right accountability buddy. Your productivity partner needs to be the right mix of cheerleader and drill sergeant, and you need to be the right blend for them too. You also need to understand each other’s goals and what it takes to achieve them. For example, if you’re a small business owner, your college chum who has only worked in large corporations may not understand your goals. However, two small business owners could be accountability buddies even if they are not in the same industry. They both understand the rewards and challenges of business ownership and management.
Set ground rules. Rules or guidelines ensure each buddy benefits from the relationship. Firstly, establish what ratio of cheerleader/drill sergeant you each need. Set a regular meeting frequency and what happens if either buddy needs to re-schedule. Discuss how to handle confidentiality, openness, and acceptance.
Decide what to work on – together. Ideally, you should know what you want to accomplish so your accountability buddy can help you. For example, if you have a dozen things to choose from, your productivity partner can provide feedback to help you focus on one thing. Perhaps your goal is so enormous you don’t know where to start. Work with your buddy to break your goal down into actionable steps. Likewise, you can do the same for them.
Plan for the End
All relationships end, so it’s essential to decide in the beginning what to do if either person wants to call it quits. Sometimes the reasons are due to the buddies not being a good fit personality-wise. The end often comes because one or both people have achieved their goals or need a different kind of support system. Whatever the reasons, end the relationship with grace.
Remember that these productivity partners work best in a give-give relationship. You must be ready and willing to be there for someone else. Consider working with a business coach if you are looking for support but cannot provide it for someone else.
If you and your accountability buddy are looking to work more effectively and efficiently, check out more of our productivity tips.
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