Editor’s note: This continues Jack Dunigan’s series about unsung heroes in the workplace, and the 16 traits they all share.

I had ordered a meal and let the conversation around the table carry away the wait. When the order arrived, it was a different server who placed my plate in front of me. It was almost correct. I had ordered fish, and what was on my plate was indeed fish. The problem was I had ordered it prepared a different way.

When the server sat it down, I told him so and also suggested I keep it. I’d waited long enough.

In under two minutes the server who had taken my order was at the table offering an articulate and sincere apology for the mix up. In that one moment, the server identified herself as a keeper. Why?

Accountability!

An accountable person understands that mistakes happen, and they own up to them when they do. They don’t have to be chased down and confronted about it. They don’t try to cover up or ignore it, hoping it goes undiscovered. No, they report to you and explain what happened.

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