Leadership is not a title you bestow upon yourself; it is a status conferred upon you by those who choose to follow. You are not a leader until the people around you accept you as one. True leadership is recognized and validated by those who follow, not merely claimed by the individual. This fundamental truth underscores the essence of authentic leadership, which I have come to deeply appreciate in my work with human resourcing, people management, professional development, and leadership.

At the core of your intentional leadership journey are three key elements: self-awareness, trust, and accountability. These elements form the foundation upon which genuine leadership is built. Self-awareness ensures that leaders understand who they are and what they stand for. Trust fosters genuine connections and solid relationships, while accountability guarantees that leaders remain credible and responsible.

Recent developments have shown a blatant disregard for the accountability piece. Multiple instances of individuals being appointed to senior roles have revealed troubling aspects of their past during the vetting or confirmation process. These revelations have sparked considerable buzz about how these individuals conducted themselves before assuming leadership positions. It is this specific reason that prompted me to write this piece. The lack of accountability not only undermines the integrity of the individual leader but also erodes the trust and respect that are crucial for effective leadership.

In this post, I aim to provide a comprehensive framework for designing and deploying your own leadership while also offering tools to assess and analyze the leadership of those around you. By focusing on self-awareness, trust, and accountability, we can cultivate authentic leadership that inspires and sustains positive change.

Designing and Deploying Your Leadership

1. Self-Awareness and Intentionality

The first step in becoming a leader is understanding who you are and what you stand for. Reflect on your values, strengths, and areas for improvement. Intentionality in leadership means consciously aligning your actions with your values and purpose.

• Reflection: Regularly engage in self-reflection to understand your core values, beliefs, and motivations. This helps you stay grounded and purposeful in your leadership journey.
• Alignment: Ensure that your actions and decisions consistently reflect your values and long-term goals. Intentionality involves making conscious choices that align with your leadership vision.

2. Building Trust

Trust is the foundation of any leadership relationship. Without trust, there can be no genuine connection, and without connection, leadership is hollow.

• Consistency: Be reliable and consistent in your actions. Follow through on promises and commitments.
• Transparency: Communicate openly and honestly. Share information and decisions with clarity and integrity.

3. Demonstrating Accountability

Accountability is the linchpin that holds leadership together. A leader who is not accountable is a leader without credibility.

• Responsibility: Own your decisions and their outcomes, whether positive or negative.
• Feedback: Actively seek and act on feedback from your team. Use it as a tool for growth and improvement.

Assessing and Analyzing Leadership Around You

1. Confirming Self-Awareness and Intentionality

Assessing a leader’s self-awareness and intentionality involves understanding their commitment to personal growth and alignment with their values.

• Observation: Notice if they exhibit a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.
• Alignment: Check if their actions and decisions consistently reflect their stated values and goals.

2. Evaluating Trustworthiness

Assessing whether a leader is trustworthy involves observing their behavior and the consistency of their actions.

• Observation: Notice if they keep their promises and if their words align with their actions.
• Alignment: Consider what others say about their reliability and integrity.

3. Assessing Accountability

A true leader does not shirk responsibility or hide behind excuses. They face challenges head-on and learn from their mistakes.

• Observation: Do they take ownership of their actions and decisions?
• Alignment: Are they open about their processes and willing to admit when they are wrong?

The Imperative of Accountability in Leadership

Accountability is not just a desirable trait in leadership; it is essential. A lack of accountability erodes trust, undermines integrity, and diminishes the effectiveness of leadership.

1. Responsibility for Words and Actions

Leaders must understand that their words and actions have consequences. Saying or doing whatever they want without fear of repercussions, relying on apologies to mitigate fallout, is not true leadership. It is a betrayal of trust.

• Integrity: Uphold a standard of integrity in all interactions. Recognize that every action has an impact on the team and the organization.
• Responsibility: Be prepared to face the consequences of your decisions. Apologies are necessary when mistakes are made, but they should not be a crutch to avoid accountability.

2. Building a Culture of Accountability

A leader’s commitment to accountability sets the tone for the entire organization. By holding themselves accountable, leaders create a culture where everyone is encouraged to take responsibility for their actions.

• Modeling Behavior: Demonstrate accountability in your daily actions. Show your team that you are willing to be held accountable.
• Encouragement: Foster an environment where accountability is expected and rewarded. Encourage team members to take ownership of their work and decisions.

Conclusion

True leadership is recognized and validated by those who follow, not merely claimed by the individual. It involves earning trust, demonstrating accountability, and consistently aligning actions with values. By focusing on these principles, you can design and deploy your own leadership while effectively assessing and analyzing the leadership of those around you.

Remember, leadership is a journey, not a destination. It requires continuous self-reflection, learning, and growth. As you navigate this journey, prioritize trust and accountability as the cornerstones of your leadership approach. In doing so, you will not only gain the respect and acceptance of those around you but also create a positive and enduring impact on your organization and community.