Dependability
Three Parts of Dependability
De-pend-a-bil-i-ty
“Persons, promises and price”
1. Quality of that which can be counted
upon; able to be leaned upon.
Dependability begins with a relationship. Two
people are involved. It may be a supervisor, a
student, a faculty member, a coach, a friend, a
De- is the Latin prefix meaning “down” or “from”.
brother or a sister, a team member, along with
Combining this with the word pendere (“to hang”)
every other affiliation.
creates a word picture of the term dependable—
something reliable enough “to hang from.”
Dependability also involves a promise. An
agreement to fulfill certain duties, to show up to
Think boulder from which a climber anchors a
work on time. It is an agreement made by
rope to scale the side of a mountain. The life of
personal consent, not by force.
the climber hangs from the “stability” of the
boulder. The climber has to depend on that rock
Dependability may also involve a price. There may
for his/her life.
be sacrifice involved. Show up at work instead of
sleeping. Leave off the Braves game or fun to
Being dependable is proven by consistency. Every
complete a job. It is a commitment to keep a
promise is a reliable promise, it is consistent.
promise by getting the job done regardless.
Others can “hang” their plans on a dependable
Supervisor as Leader
person without fear of let down or
disappointment.
Commit with Caution
The supervisor should prepare the student for
greater independence, to fulfill responsibilities
without depending on external supervision. To
A dependable person does not make rash
create a person who is “without dependence.”
decisions nor do they promise if they cannot
Start with small things so that students can learn
deliver. Agreeing to a support an idea or complete
to be dependable and move to managing greater
a task require thinking through the commitment.
things.
What do the promises involve?
Dependable individuals take the time to count the
costs before they make the promise. Risks and
options are weighed so that when an agreement
is made it can be kept. Even when those
commitments require some personal sacrifice or
unexpected work. The promise is kept. A person is
only as good as their word.
For Students:
For Supervisors: Teaching and
Reinforcing Dependability
A dependable person makes these promises:

I will show up to work on time.

I will pull my share of the load.

I will work as a part of the team.

I will keep my word.
students on work schedule and

Be careful what I promise.
consequences for tardy or late

I will correct my mistakes.
arrival to work.

Students should arrive at work on time.
Being dependable means being timely.
o

Set the proper expectation with
Supervisors should model the behavior
expected.

The only people who count are
those who can be counted on.
Supervisors should clearly define
responsibilities that each student will
have.
—Henry F. Cope, Chicago
Tribune, Chicago, Ill., Jan. 19,
1908.

Supervisors should support the team and
individual participation in the team.
o
Clearly defining the role of the
team and it’s members is
important.

Supervisors should make sure that if a
student makes a commitment it is carried
out.
When all Else Fails:

Reinforce dependability with immediate
verbal confirmation and recognition along
I will follow these steps:


with in end of semester evaluations.
Try to solve the problem, complete the
As students take on more responsibility
task, even if it means added hours, or
provide support but once they are proven
more effort.
dependable enable them to function
If I cannot resolve the problem I will appeal
without immediate supervision.
to my supervisor or my team to whom I
made the promise. Explain my situation in
as straightforward a way as possible and
ask to be released from the obligation or
to get a time extension until a solution can
be found.


I will work diligently until the project is
completed. Regardless of the sacrifice,
because
I
made
a
promise
dependability is keeping a promise.
and
Accountability
ac·count·a·bil·i·ty
1. The fact or condition of being
accountable; responsibility.
2. An obligation or willingness to accept
responsibility or to account for one's
actions
What is Accountability in the Workplace?
Employee accountability is defined as fulfilling the
assigned tasks and duties of the job and to be
present when expected to further the goals of the
organization. If the student employee does not
perform the functions of the job and is not
present when expected that student employee
will be responsible for dealing with the
repercussions.
Accountability should also include a willingness to
consistently do the “right” thing in all aspects
pertaining to the job and work together with
others towards the common goals f the college.
Why is workplace accountability important?
Workplace accountability is important to an
organizations’ success as a whole. That means
that every single employee regardless of position
or level, whether staff, faculty or student is
equally responsible for the success of the
organization. Long term and short term goals can
only be achieved if all work together and share
accountability. As teams work together towards
the same overall goal they help their workplace to
become more accountable, in turn making the
organization more productive and efficient.