It’s the New Year and you’re super excited about getting started on your goals and plans for the year ahead. But, let’s be honest, it’s all too easy to ‘go off the boil’, lose sight of what we wanted to achieve and get lost in the minutiae of day to day life, right?

I’m passionate about helping you CRUSH your goals this year (I’ve even put together a special 121 offer for you) and one great way to make sure that you stay on track is to find an accountability partner or buddy.

Someone who GETS you, who will support you, who will pick you up when you’re down and kick your butt when you need it too!

NO TIME TO READ? WATCH ME SHARE THIS POST ON FACEBOOK > >

I have an amazing accountability buddy in my lovely pal and business coach Ceri Gillett from ContentMum.com – I know that she’s got my back and is there to listen to me when I have a crazy idea, check step that it fits with my goals and encourage me to see it through. (And did I mention that she is crazy good fun too? Love that gal! x)

But how do you know what to look for in someone? What qualities should they have?

Here’s four strengths I believe you need to look for when you pick your next accountability partner > >

#1 Brutally honest & straightforward

You don’t need a ‘yes’-girl (or guy) or a ‘friend’… that isn’t going to help you. Also it can be a big no-no for a relationship if you’re calling on your pal to hold you accountable when this isn’t the role that they want or can play for you.

What you need is someone who will be honest and tell you straight whether you’re doing what you said you would or what needs to get done. Will they kick your butt if you’re procrastinating? Will they tell you if they think your plans aren’t realistic? If they happen to be a friend too… that’s a bonus. But it’s NOT a pre-requisite.

Note: brutal honesty is not the same as negativity – a true accountability partner will ALWAYS be positive and have your back.

#2 Great at questioning & listening

A good accountability partner will ask searching questions that help to shape and mould your ideas and goals. They will help you flesh out your plans by making sure you’ve covered all the bases, drawing on their own experience or that of others. And they will listen carefully to your answers, clarify they understand what you’re saying, and make sure it makes sense.

#3 Different strengths & weaknesses to you

Are you a great planner but not so good at executing? Or perhaps you’re a creative genius but shiver when it comes to paperwork? Whatever strengths and weaknesses you have look for the opposite in your accountability partner. Those complimentary skills will help to complete you when it comes to making sure you’re covering all the bases.

Also, importantly, this is a two way relationship, my friends. So you want to give as much as you get. Having strengths your partner doesn’t will enable you to help them too.

#4 Different industry or different niche in the same industry

Having an accountability partner that works in a different industry to or niche to you allows them to give an outside perspective on your issues and challenges. It also allows you to both grow and learn without concerns or awkwardness about competing with each other.

What if you find your ideal partner and they’re in the same industry as you? Agree up front how you’ll deal with issues around competing interests and make sure you stick to that agreement.

Do you have an accountability partner? What skills do they have that you don’t? How did you meet and how do you work together?