Huge News Fall Out and the Boy Who Cried Wolf

Before class started on one peaceful Saturday morning, my yoga instructor made this big announcement with much fanfare that there was some huge event coming to our studio. There were no additional details as to what the event was, when it might occur, etc. Just a stay tuned teaser. I was so excited that I could barely focus during class wondering what this event was, when it was going to occur and how I was going to get the news. For weeks, I watched the website; I checked the bulletin board and my ears were on alert for any bit of information. My excitement over time dwindled into a not so Zen mindset and consequently into wondering about the business practices of my favorite yoga studio. My favorite yogis had become the boy who had cried wolf. Their words no longer have power or meaning because there was no action to follow their claims.

I am certain the above event was not plotted as an evil yoga power uprising. More than likely it was the best of intentions couple with the most wonderful of blunders. Accountability is not supposed to focus on consequences, but it is impossible to hold someone accountable without creating space for blame. Regardless of their intentions, their announcements now sound more like Charlie Brown’s teacher than important news, as I no longer have faith in their communications or actions.

When you ask for someone to hold you accountable, you are actually giving away your power to be your word. You may not be able to control the circumstances of life, but you can control your responses to the circumstances in life. Do what you say you are going to do. If you can not make it happen, take ownership. Stand behind your decision and statements, for good or for bad. Accountability then becomes ownership of your words, actions and deeds, a free will choice of how others will determine your character and the empowerment to actual become that person. The quality of your choices in life not only influences the quality of your life, but may also dictate how others determine your character and even the soundness of your business practices.

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Comment by Stephanie Young on August 23, 2011 at 8:03am: It is all good in the long run when you have accountability and integrity on your side. So sorry to hear that deal fell through.....at least you did not wake up in a bathtub full of ice...lol.

Comment by Marsh Buice on August 17, 2011 at 6:17pm: Sorry so late...I was selling my body parts for a deal...it didnt go thru :( Accountability is HUGE in our industry...and in life for that matter. I tell my kids (and my other kids (salespeople)) to call a foul on yourself. People know when you are lying when you forget to follow thru on something. Be accountable for your actions, admit when you do wrong-it's all good in the long run.

Comment by Stephanie Young on August 17, 2011 at 11:35am: No joke, is right. I use to think yoga was lame until I tried it. LOL

Comment by Stephanie Young on August 17, 2011 at 11:23am: Thanks, Jim. One of my favorite quotes too!

Comment by Stephanie Young on August 17, 2011 at 11:22am: BC, I did not stop going...I just stopped trusting in their breaking news announcements. I now have a wait and see approach, which allows me to play full out in yoga class without distractions.

Comment by Jim Kristoff on August 17, 2011 at 11:11am: Great blog Stephanie!

I have repeated this quote a million times over the years...

"You may not be able to control the circumstances of life, but you can control your responses to the circumstances in life."

Comment by Stephanie Young on August 17, 2011 at 10:58am: BC, I am so glad you asked that question. I asked the owner of the studio and the response I got was, "We had something going on but things fell through." I walked away thinking, "Maybe you should have made that announcement too!?!?!?!"

Comment by Stephanie Young on August 17, 2011 at 10:56am: Tony, I like this quote: " Our business is going all out on our internal integrity and sincerity for one another, THEREFORE, we now can take care of our external CUSTOMERS." Does it come in a poster for my office too? (wink) Thank you for your comment. I think you summed it up beautifully. No surprise to me that your dealership is enjoying great success....look who is captaining the boat. Can we have you cloned? (smile)

Comment by Tony Provost on August 17, 2011 at 10:42am: Stephanie- NOW this is a great topic! The true integrity of a business or individual, is always tested by their ACTIONS!!! We have a quote in our store. " Our business is going all out on our internal integrity and sincerity for one another, THEREFORE, we now can take care of our external CUSTOMERS"!!! My professional opinion, our average employee has been here 6 years. We have just completed our 10th year. Our customer retention is one of the highest in the country. I know it is because of our EVERY spoke in the wheel is IMPORTANT mentality. GREAT JOB, Stehanie!!