Crucial accountability comes where the accountability system is weak. The ones who see the problem don’t actually address it because they think that they don’t have the power to raise the issue; neither do have skills to do so.
Crucial accountability helps in bridging the gaps that has trapped you and kept you stuck. It is like a maze in which you are lost and can’t find an appropriate way out. Crucial accountability is the way that will get you out of the web and will lead you to your destination.
Before you start doing the crucial accountability it is very important to be sure to select the right one. In case when crucial accountability turns critical, stay focused and never let the dialogue die. An element of respect should be maintained throughout the conversation even if one is hurt, angry or scared. Tell your part of story and let the other person know how you validate your behaviour. Be emotionally strong and don’t practice any criminal, victim or helpless stories. While you share your story, describe the gap between what did you observe and what were your expectations. Is it motivation, ability or both that has worked as a hindrance. The best tool to be used here is the six sources of influence. Asking questions will also extend help to others to share their point of view. It is very important to make the whole process safe. Before the Crucial accountability starts pin point all the possible limitations and keep in mind that don’t let your ideas come up at front, rather ask the other person to share his ideas. It is your duty to help the other person come up with the ways to overcome ability barriers while he looks into the personal, social and structural solutions. Element of motivation should not be left aside and let the other person realize the natural as well as invisible consequences. Motivation moreover should be looked under the limelight of personal, social and structural sources. Lastly, solutions found should be turned into actions in such a way that it permanently bridges the gap.
For example a diabetologist asks the patient for his HBA1C report and his 3 months blood sugar maintenance chart (Provided earlier to the patient by doctor on his last visit). Interestingly the blood sugar chart shows that the patient has done a good job and has managed his sugar levels very well, but HBA1C reflects that the patient is lying. Here is where the doctor needs to do the Crucial accountability of the patient. The doctor will indicate that the report maintained by him (patient) indicates a totally different story as compared to HBA1C report. As the doctor puts the real picture in front of a patient, he also indicates him the consequences he will face if he continued following the same not so acceptable routine. The doctor enlightens the patient that his behaviour can result fatal as well. This generates realization in patient that no matter one day everyone has to die but dyeing with pain is our own choice. The meeting ends up while setting new goals.