Accountability: Why It's Better to Take the Blame

Many of my topic ideas for my posts are inspired by daily interactions from class, work, or the office and this week’s post is no different. As a general business minor, I take classes that often present a different perspective or approach to communication. But every now and then, there’s applicable overlap between business and public relations. Earlier this week in my Environmental Law class, we were discussing law case studies, in many of which companies that were fined a large sum of money for failing to complete forms regarding their plant’s emissions.  All of the companies discussed used the defense that they were unaware of the law requiring them to complete these forms and therefore should not be fined.

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My professor, a practicing lawyer in environmental law, noted that ignorance of a law does not mean you should not be held accountable. But accountability isn’t only important in business and law, but in workplace communication as well. Here are a few key reasons why you should practice personal accountability:

• Displays responsibility. By recognizing that you made a mistake and taking the blame instead of pointing a finger, you show your supervisor that you are mature and dependable. Although you may be at fault, admitting so means you are dependable and responsible- a person your supervisor can rely on.
• Shows leadership.  By taking accountability for your actions, it shows you’re willing to admit your mistakes. This is an essential characteristic for leadership that your boss will recognize.  
• Promotes workplace success. When all employees are accountable for their actions, the organization can work more effectively and successfully.

Making excuses, such as lack of knowledge, reflects poorly on you as an employee. It is your responsibility to make sure you DO know or make sure to find out when you don’t. In situations in which you are in the wrong, it’s best to take responsibility for your mistake. At the end of the day, your superior will remember your accountability more than the error you made in the first place.

Take Your Career to the Next Level with the Perfect Elevator Pitch

You’re standing in an elevator and who walks in but THE executive at the job of your dreams. You have less than sixty seconds to convince them that you are the most qualified and most valuable for their company. What do you do? This is the ideal situation but, more than likely, you will be using your pitch in an email introduction, a portion of a cover letter, or in a job interview. An elevator pitch is a speech in which you have 30 to 60 seconds to sell yourself to your listener, about the length of an elevator ride. 

So, where should you begin? The best way to start writing your elevator pitch is list as much as possible about yourself and edit from there. This way, you can narrow it down to only the most important qualifications you possess. The purpose is to convince your listener that you would be a beneficial addition to their company or firm.

Here’s a simple example of how to set up your pitch:

• Name
• Currently enrolled at Temple University with a degree in ________ (include any minors or certifications)
• What you’re seeking; interested in finding a job/internship in ________
• Activities involved in
• Through these activities you’ve learned to accomplish ________
• You will be of value to their company because ________

As with anything else, practice! Delivery is just as important as content, and with practice comes confidence. But the key is to keep your pitch sounding natural. Make sure to include a hook in the beginning; your hook should get their attention and the rest of your pitch should keep it. For example, mention a unique internship that sets your apart from other students. In terms of effectiveness, it is also important to adjust your pitch to your listener, depending on their position or firm. You will have succeeded in perfecting your elevator pitch if it leaves your listener wanting more. 

Above All, Love What You Do

If you were to picture your perfect future, what would it be?
Money
Happiness
Family
Travel
These are just a few things that might come to mind.

In my perfect future, I spend every day doing a job that I LOVE to do. Whether it's 9-5 or 24/7, as long as I truly enjoy what I'm doing I know I'll be happy and successful. I'm one of the lucky people who has never doubted their major. I've had PR in my heart since before I even came to college and that never changed. Now, as I email every person under the sun about a full-time job, that still stands true.

Spending the past three years with PRowl Public Relations has only solidified by passion for PR, and I couldn't be more grateful for that. It has everything to do with the fact that I was a sophomore in college working with real clients and being thrown into work that entry-level employees do. I love to be challenged. It has everything to do with being surrounded by people who love public relations as much as I do. It's been the perfect environment for myself and my peers to grow in.

Millions of dollars would be nice. A big house with nice cars and acres of land, endless vacations to tropical places, the whole nine yards. I think that's what most people are aiming for. I choose happiness and I choose to wake up every day knowing that I will be doing something that I'm passionate about.

That's my one piece of advice, to everyone: above all, love what you do.