Accountability – Hold yourself accountable first

Are we not adults? As leaders are we not setting examples for others to follow, always being watched?

This line of thinking is spawned from several things, one of which was last nights SouthPark episode; specifically people blaming a book for their actions.

The way I see it, we all have free will; regardless of what country you live in, you have choices. You and you alone control your actions.  You make the decision to discriminate against a pregnant woman. You make the decision to harass that good looking guy in the cube next to you. You make the decision to show preferential treatment to Sally.

Being passionate or new to leadership is no excuse. Once words have been said and actions done, they cannot be taken back.

Hold yourself accountable first for your actions. Before you act, take a step back and think, breathe. That is my advice to all of our new leaders. In their shoes, is this how you’d want to be treated? Yes I know you’d never do that. I. don’t. care. That’s not the point.

The point is you’re an adult, act like one. Hold your employees accountable for their actions but hold yourself accountable first.