Research shows great leaders credit others when things go well, and accept direct accountability when they don't. Others credit themselves with success, while sidestepping / outsourcing failure, especially those who let fear get the best of them. True accountability transcends credit or blame; it's about facing facts, and taking the next right actions. Ask yourself how you—and those around you—handle accountability in both positive and negative situations. The answers will help you walk more deliberately the path of great leadership.
Self-coaching questions:
- How do I tend to handle taking, sharing, and/or giving credit when things go well?
- How do I tend to take—or sidestep— accountability when things go poorly?
- What are the three most effective things I can do to be more accountable?
Note: Over 100 of these tips appear in my new book: Beyond Effective: Practices in Self-aware Leadership. Click on the image of the book at the top of this blog for more information.
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