Tag: Accountability

Tools, Ability, Opportunity

Wonderful tools are available that improve our ability to lead. However, there are several questions we need to consider regarding our approach to leading with these possibilities.

Are we using these tools to help us improve our leadership?

How are we using these tools to benefit the lives of those who follow?

Do we make excuses for why we are not using these tools, or working to learn how to use them?

One day we will be held accountable for the tools, ability, and opportunities God has entrusted to us.

We cannot excuse ourselves by saying we did not want to learn how to use them.

Supportive Leadership

Support groups are generally associated with recovery: addictions, eating disorders, grief in the loss of a loved one, or from divorce.

A couple of questions should be considered for our leadership.

Who makes up the support group for leaders? Put together a core group of others who will share and contribute to the group’s design.

What benefit will they provide? They serve as a reminder that others have and do experience the same challenges, and they provide accountability.

Who makes up the group, the purpose of the group’s design, and what we apply to our own leadership is the determining factor to its success.

Potential…Part 4

Let me share three ideas to help each of us move toward greater potential.

Remind others of the possibilities. When we do so, we accomplish the need for a supportive coalition and we create an accountability team.

Develop the plan into sections. The big picture can overwhelm and discourage us from the task at hand. Plan smaller sections and build on short-term wins.

Begin now. Potential is not reached by thinking about what we should have done years ago, or by procrastination. The best time to start is NOW!

When A Leader Fails

I have been fascinated with a number of quotes and principles regarding leadership and what happens when leaders fail to be trustworthy.

One primary thought expressed by John Maxwell, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”

On more than one occasion I have heard various news reporters express the idea of accountability. Specifically, one analyst expressed that what leaders need to do when mistakes are made is to confess the mistake, take responsibility, and let the chips fall where they may.

What happens when leaders fail?

Leaders will experience failure and make mistakes. How leaders strategically maneuver during these times determines the level of trust from those who follow.

Proficient

Leaders must be technically proficient. There are two primary areas where this principle has direct application.

First, leaders need to know their job. They need to know what they are supposed to be doing. When they do not, the result is disastrous for the overall production of the group and task.

Second, leaders need to be familiar with the job responsibilities of others. Unless leaders know the job responsibilities of others and provide accountability for the work, progress becomes dependent on leadership to carry on the work.

From a spiritual perspective, when leaders are no proficient we find sheep without a shepherd.

Leading with Respect

Regardless of the environment or situation, people want leaders who respect and value how they contribute to the achievement of organizational goals.

Few areas, however, gain respect more quickly than by showing respect to and for others. A couple of suggestions include: 1) attention given to work accomplished, 2) time to build relationships, 3) accepting responsibility and giving accountability, 4) transparency, and 5) trust.

Leaders who strive to gain, earn, and achieve respect lead with heart. They touch the lives of those who follow and change the power of teamwork in the growth of any organization.

When Leaders Fail…

Regardless of our political position, developments within the administrative system of our country seem to raise questions about leadership.

It is fascinating to see quotes and principles regarding leadership and what happens when leaders fail to be trustworthy.

On more than one occasion, news reporters express the idea of accountability. Specifically, one analyst expressed that what leaders do when mistakes are made is “confess the mistake, take responsibility, and let the chips fall where they may.”

Leaders will experience failure. They make mistakes. How leaders strategically maneuver during these times determines the level of trust to be gained or lost by those who follow.

Improving our Leadership…

Drastic changes have occurred in the weather recently. While meteorologists may not always get the forecast right, as technology improves so does the accuracy of their predictions.

The same is true in leadership. There are tools available that improve our ability to lead.

Are we learning to use these tools correctly? 
How are we using them to improve our leadership?
Do we make excuses because we lack the desire to use them?

One day we will give an account for all that God has entrusted to us. We cannot excuse ourselves by thinking we did not want to learn how to use the tools He provided.