What Does Presence Have to do With Process?
An interview with Ali Schiller & Marissa Boisvert, owners of Accountability Works
I met Ali and Marissa through Claudia who had been working with them on her own businesses for the last two years. Witnessing the way Claudia was navigating multiple projects at the same time and getting the right things done inspired me to join her. As of January 1st, Claudia and I are both engaged in this accountability process together with Marissa at the helm as our fearless facilitator. Experiencing Marissa’s commitment to our success in a way that is both empowering and compassionate has allowed both of us to make remarkable strides in the first quarter of this year. We simply can’t wait to see what Q2 has in store for our lives and businesses!
ML/CR: What inspired you to start a business that focuses on accountability?
AS: I started my first accountability group when I launched my first business as a Realtor 16 years ago. I did this partly out of fear of failing and being my own boss for the first time in my life. That accountability group became an important support system that allowed my business to flourish. It gave me the structure I needed to pay attention to the less sexy but very important aspects of my business. Then I started to wonder why everyone didn’t have this kind of support. This was the catalyst that inspired me to start Accountability Works (AW).
ML/CR: Marissa, what motivated you to partner with Ali?
MB: Prior to meeting Ali, my work was focused on helping people cultivate mindfulness. The problem I ran into was that while becoming more mindful and present is a desire of many, it is, at the same time, difficult to grasp and cultivate. When I started facilitating the AW process, I discovered that accountability is the unlikely tool that helps people become mindful and present in their lives. And when people are more mindful and present they become more connected to what’s most important to them/what they value most. This in turn allows them to more readily identify the next steps in accomplishing their goals.
ML/CR: What are your company’s core values?
AS/MB: 1. Do what you say you are going to do. 2. Tell the truth even when it’s uncomfortable. 3. Take full personal responsibility. 4. Commit to the process. 5. Respectful, warm work culture.
ML/CR: How do you operationalize those values on a daily basis?
AS/MB: The most important way we operationalize our values is by engaging with the process ourselves. All of our coaches, including us, are in accountability groups. We set goals, make weekly commitments, and hold ourselves accountable. By offering and receiving respectful, compassionate accountability, we know what it is to take full responsibility for our experience. Com-passionate accountability means actively listening, providing non-judgmental observation, and direct honest feedback.
ML/CR: How can readers apply accountability in their own lives?
AS/MB: Start by writing down what you want to accomplish in the different areas of your life. The next step is to create a plan that includes dates by which you want to accomplish those goals and tasks. Then add accountability to that plan by asking yourself: who are you going to check in with? Whether it is with a partner or small group, turning those tasks into commitments and sharing them with others is priceless, fun, and it works. We have a host of resources on our website www.AccountabilityWorks.com to help you create that plan, form a group, and stay accountable.
ML/CR: In what ways do you see your work contributing to a kinder world of commerce?
AS/MB: We love Accountability Works because it provides people with accessible products and services that help them stay intentional and focused. We know we can help people who struggle with structure, consistency and self-doubt. By providing them with a tried and true framework for success they will experience real, sustainable progress in the areas that matter most to them.
We believe in the ripple effect. When our members achieve the growth and change they desire, it not only positively impacts them but their businesses, families and communities.
Monica & Claudia
Ali Schiller is happy to discuss all things accountability and can be reached at (925) 577-1151 or [email protected]. Marissa Boisvert is happy to talk about all things mindfulness and can be reached at (917) 975-1117 or [email protected]. To enjoy the full video interview, visit: www.monicalenchesre.com/community-matters