Accountability Partners: Do PR professionals need one?
The life of a PR college student is never-ending. With individual and group assignments, organizations, internships plus social lives, our commitments keep us very occupied - this does not even cover the necessities like eating and sleeping. Once an opportunity is given to PR students to perfect their craft, we jump at it - no matter if we overextend ourselves to complete it.
To stay in line with our responsibilities, PR students should have an accountability partner. This relationship is becoming more relevant within this millennial generation with discussions through Twitter chats and blogs. I think it’s time we look at it from a PR perspective.
Before we dive into what you should look for in an accountability partner, let’s first define it.
If we break words down, accountability means an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions, according to the online Merriam-Webster dictionary. A partner is one that shares, or one associated with another especially in an action. I define an accountability partner as someone who keeps you mentally and creatively grounded, motivated and encouraged to finish the goals and commitments you signed up for, and also encourage breaks when necessary.
DISCLAIMER: An accountability partner, by no means, implies that all PR students cannot/do not hold to their commitments or fail to remember. Accountability partners create a line of communication to keep each other on top of commitments and responsibilities.
Now that we have a sense of what an accountability partner is, here are three traits I believe an accountability partner should have before you bestow that title
Encouraging
It’s important for your accountability partner to encourage you when times get rough. Words of wisdom and positive affirmations are reassuring to hear every so often. PR students do not necessarily need confirmation for their work, but receiving immediate feedback motivates us to go further. These words help us realize our work for our brands and progressing toward careers are not going unnoticed.
Challenges You
Every day, there should be a goal to constantly improve yourself and craft from the previous day. Your accountability partner should be able to motivate you to push the limits, creativity and drive. This motivation should be in the way you need it, whether it’s through social media, food, time, etc. Sometimes incentives help, as well. Creativity is one of the number one skills needed for PR. Creativity is not just in designing, but also in thinking outside the box for your brand, clients, etc.
Established Relationship
I believe already having a relationship with the accountability partners is vital. The partner should be someone relatively close to you and knows your goals, dreams, and life. Since we are PR students, your accountability partner should have some tie to PR, communications, or any other related field towards your goal. This makes for a better connection because your accountability partner will fully understand and be able to guide you through when times seem rough.
Lastly, establish a working agreement. This document will show what you do and do not want in your accountability partner. If both individuals agree, there should be a schedule or system where you can both use each other as resources.
Do you think PR professionals need accountability partners? Is this something crucial to our lives, sanity, and future careers? How do you feel about having an accountability partner?
Leave a comment below, or tweet me @JailynGlass.
Jailyn Glass, Account Executive | Jailyn is a senior at Grand Valley State University studying Advertising and Public Relations and minoring in Applied Statistics. Her public relations passion is in the beauty and fashion industries. In her spare time, she manages her own blog, stays up-to-date with current news, and relaxes with Pinterest pinning. Her top five strengths, according to the Clifton StrengthsFinder, are Responsibility, Individualization, Futuristic, Restorative, and Strategic.