How to create an accountability group?

Probably you’ve heard this term before, but do you know what an accountability group is? Are you afraid it’s not right for you? In this article, I’ll explain what an accountability group is, how it can help and how to join or create one.

What is an accountability group?

An accountability group is a group of people who support and encourage each other to achieve their goals. The group provides a safe and supportive environment in which members can share their progress, setbacks, and challenges. 

Often groups create co-working sessions during which attendees work at the same time on their tasks (body doubling technique). Accountability groups can vary in size, but usually, these are small groups with no more than 10 members.

What is the purpose of having an accountability group?

The purpose of having an accountability group is to help individuals stay accountable for achieving their goals. It provides a supportive environment in which members can encourage and motivate each other to stay on track. 

Additionally, accountability groups can help individuals learn from each other and share resources and advice. An accountability group usually meets 1-2 times per week. Some meet twice a day, in the morning and in the evening to share progress or exercise together.

Who can benefit from joining accountability group?

Everyone can benefit from joining an accountability group. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, save money, quit smoking, or achieve any other goal, having a group of people to support can encourage you to make a difference. Having a like-minded support group can be good for your mental health too.

When it comes to accountability groups connected to professional life – many of them organize virtual coworking sessions to be more productive during remote work. It includes people like:

– solopreneurs

– remote workers

– freelancers

– designers

– creatives

– developers

– writers

– adults with ADHD

– students

If you’re struggling to reach your goals, or if you feel like you could benefit from some extra support, consider joining an accountability group.

Find a group that will work for you.

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to finding an accountability group. You may have to try a few different groups before you find one that works for you. The important thing is to find a group of people who share your commitment to accountability and who you can trust to give you honest feedback. Additionally, these groups can also be a great way to socialize and have fun while working towards your goals.

How to find an existing group?

– join accountability groups with like-minded individuals. Many people seek accountability groups on Reddit, Discord, or social media

– join paid communities of likeminded individuals and attend co-working sessions

– join paid co-working sessions, where there’s a professional host that keeps you accountable. 

It’s entirely up to you which way you choose.

If you want to have more control over who you co-work with, you can create your group. To set up a successful accountability group it’s good to start with some rules.

Start accountability group

Here’s our (probably not the only one!) way to create an accountability group:

1. Decide what you and your group want to accomplish. Is this group a temporary solution? Or do you plan to keep it going in the long term?
2. Find members that fit your group. Each member of your small community should be supportive and have empathy for other members. You don’t want to have rude, unsupportive attendees.
3. Ask others about their goals when they join your group and help them meet them.
4. Create a Slack or Discord server for your closed group. People outside your group should not have access to it.
5. Choose a group leader/host. Usually, the group leader is responsible for organizing meeting times and keeping the group on track. They will also be responsible for checking in with members to see how they are progressing with their goals. You can also decide to try co-working sessions without choosing a leader
6. Create an environment of support and trust. Encourage people to ask for help and do your best to help them.
7. Set meeting times. Co-working sessions and group meetings should be added to calendars and take place at the same time. Attendees should know what to prepare before the meeting.
8. Have regular check-ins or meetings. Discuss how everyone is doing in meeting the group goals. This is a chance to give and constructively receive feedback.
9. Celebrate successes and milestones together. This will help keep everyone motivated and focused on the group’s goals.

If you think that creating your accountability group is right for you, don’t hesitate to start one. The role of host/group leader is probably the most fulfilling as you achieve your goals and help others at the same time. When you start a coworking group, you will see how great body doubling works. It’s also a great way to build a strong friendship. 

Images:

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