One of the biggest issues I see everywhere I go, especially in businesses that are struggling to be better than they are, is accountability or… the complete lack thereof.
I am amazed at how many grown adults, in leadership positions, put such tremendous amounts of energy into avoiding taking responsibility for anything in their organization. Some even go so far as to perfect their individual roles as victims in the organization. They do this by forming tight little groups or “cliques” with other victims, gossiping about all the office politics that are forces of “evil” working against them.
Leaders… The number one thing you can do for your career, your team, and your organization is to step up and take 100% accountability for your role, your responsibilities, and your actions. Period! Yes, it may be painful to your ego, but I have yet to see anyone fired for doing so. In fact, I have seen more people get promoted for showing that they are accountable than anything else.
The number one thing you can do for the team or individuals you are leading is to show them that you are 100% accountable for your actions and you never blame anything that is your responsibility on anyone else. Your team will then take your lead and start taking accountability for their roles and responsibilities too.
When you follow this simple leadership mantra, you will find your team will blossom…
“When, as a leader, things are going well, look out the window. When things are not going well, look in the mirror.”
In other words, give your team all the credit when things are going good and take responsibility for things that are not going according to plan because that’s a true leader.
Robert Murray is a Vancouver, BC based Business Strategy Consultant, partner at Incrementa Consulting Inc., #1 Best Selling Author, and International Keynote Speaker. For further advice, insight and inspiration on how to unlock your inner leader, follow Robert on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
The audio version of Bob’s #1 best seller It’s Already Inside is now available on Audible.
Tags: Accountability, Business, Emotional Intelligence, It's Already Inside, Leader, Leadership, Respect, Responsibility, Robert Murray, Robert S. Murray, Self-Awareness, Success, Team, True Leadership
