Module Four: Accountability
Ok, let’s be honest. How many of us have regrets in our lives? If you can say that you have lived your life without regrets, I will say that you have not lived very long or that you are not very self-aware. We’ve all done or said things that we later regret. This is a part of life. The goal is to learn how to navigate our mistakes in a healthy way that will enhance our relationships.
One of my pet peeves is when someone refuses to own their mistakes. The simple phrase “I’m sorry” or “That one is on me” is powerful when backed up with a sincere choice to change or correct our behavior. Regrets add up when we choose to keep doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result.
I want to learn from my mistakes. I want to change and grow in my thoughts and, more importantly, my actions. I want to live life to its fullest and that includes regrets. Regrets that are used as opportunities to grow and change are treasures that allow us to experience deep, meaningful relationships. Failing is never fatal unless we do not learn from the experience.
Let’s stop trying to be perfect (or always right) in our relationships and realize the power of admitting our mistakes and then growing and changing our actions in order to strengthen our relationships.
When we choose to own and learn from our regrets, we will make a difference.
Larry Little
Eagle Center for Leadership
Accountability means taking ownership of your actions, learning from your experiences, and striving to do better. In a public office like the Morgan County Probate Office, accountability is essential to maintaining integrity. It builds trust, supports teamwork, and ensures our work reflects the standards our community counts on.
This module highlights four core areas that support strong leadership and reliable service: Personal Accountability, Transparency, Self-Awareness, and Feedback. These skills create a workplace where trust is real, communication is open, and everyone feels confident showing up and contributing.
At MCPO, accountability shows up in how we manage records, serve the public, and support each other as teammates. It’s not just about hitting deadlines or checking boxes. It’s about taking ownership of your work, being honest about what went well—and what could be better—and showing up each day ready to do the right thing.
“The choices we make every day define the life we create.”
Each session in this module highlights a key part of accountability:
Personal Accountability means owning your choices, following through on commitments, and learning from what works… and what doesn’t.
Transparency is about clear, honest communication. It includes explaining your decisions, sharing information, and admitting mistakes in a way that strengthens trust.
Self-Awareness connects your daily actions to the bigger picture. It’s recognizing how your role supports the office, your coworkers, and the community.
Feedback helps everyone improve. It’s about giving input with respect, receiving it with openness, and using it to build stronger working relationships.
These skills shape how we work together, serve the public, and uphold the integrity that defines the Morgan County Probate Office. When these principles are put into practice, they lead to better service, stronger teams, and lasting trust. So, let’s get started!
