THE SITUATION
The 90 Purdue students in my Introduction to Entrepreneurship class were given the assignment to complete a peer review via an online survey tool. This was the first time we had used the survey tool to collect the data, but by my calculations it was a 10 minute task. They had a 5 day period to get this done. Not doing it meant they got a zero on the assignment, even if all their peers rated them perfectly.
THE SET UP
I reminded my classes two different times and did a demo of the survey. We set the calibration scale in class and discussed the process. Instructions for the assignment were posted online. I put up an announcement. I emailed each student to remind them.
THE RESULTS
In spite of all this prep, 18% failed to do the assignment – resulting in a 3.5 percentage drop in their final class grade.
THE ANALYSIS
There were 5 distinct levels of accountability that became evident throughout this process:
- Just Do It – 72%
Pay attention. Follow the directions. Make it happen. - Do It and Check – 10%
Pay attention. Follow the directions. Check in to ensure the assignment was received. Correct any problems before the due date. - Don’t Do It – 10%
A mystery group – no action, no feedback to me, no idea what happened. - Don’t Do It and Complain – 5%
Gripe AFTER the assignment is over about all the reasons you were unable to do this on time. Ensure the reasons are plentiful, although credibility is not required. Plead for more time. - Don’t Do It and Expect Someone to Fix It For You – 2%
Insist that the instructor failed to fully inform you. Be indignant that you will not have another chance. Continue to ask what the instructor is going to do to fix the situation. Fail to understand the answer is “nothing”. Consume time, energy and the instructor’s patience in a futile pursuit to open the survey. - Don’t Do It and Take Your Lumps – 1%
Apologize to the instructor for your failure. Take full responsibility for not getting it done. Commit to doing better the next time. Rise considerably in the instructor’s esteem.
How would you and your team rank? Are you in the “Just do it” category most of time? And when you fail, are you willing to take your lumps and come out stronger?
One Response
I hate to think that the 7% that didn’t do it, and then complained and expected a fix are in the population of folks who believe in entitlements. If that is any indication of what’s to come… oh dear.
It would be interesting to follow that 7% to see if they ever became business owners…. no entitlements – ONLY accountability – do it yourself, or build your team…. or fail.
I’m a business owner and know that there is full accountability to clients – if you want to get paid – must do the work.