A Student of Leadership - Where Great Leaders are Made, One Habit at a Time!

Hello, and welcome to A Student of Leadership. The podcast that uncovers the secrets of exceptional leaders. Join host Rob Adams as he explores the critical habits and practices that define leadership greatness. One transformative episode at a time. From cultivating a compelling vision to embodying courage, empathy, accountability, and resilience, you'll gain the tools and insights to elevate your leadership impact no matter where you are on your journey.

Whether you're a seasoned executive or stepping into your first leadership role, each conversation will inspire and equip you to become the leader you were always meant to be. Let's dive in.

Welcome back to A Student of Leadership where great leaders are made one habit at a time. I'm Rob Adams, your host. And today, we're diving into a leadership habit that often defines the success of teams and organizations. It's accountability. Accountability is the backbone of trust in leadership.

It's about owning your decisions and actions and outcomes and inspiring the same in others. Leaders who practice accountability create a culture where people feel empowered, responsible and motivated to deliver their best work. In this episode, we'll explore the significance of accountability, share real world stories and provide actionable steps to help you lead by example. Let's talk about General Stanley McCrystal, a retired 4 star general in the US Army. During his time leading the Joint Special Operations Command, McChrystal faced immense challenges coordinating operations across multiple teams.

When a mission failed, he didn't shift blame or make excuses instead, he took full responsibility for the outcome and focused on how the team could improve moving forward. McChrystal's response to the failed mission was not an isolated incident but rather an extension of his consistent leadership style that prioritized accountability, learning and continuous improvement. This unwavering accountability earned the respect of his teams and reinforced a culture of ownership and trust. McCrystal's example reminds us that accountability starts at the very top. When leaders own their actions, they empower others to do the same.

Stephen R. Covey, author of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People said, accountability breeds response ability. As Covey suggests, accountability is not just about taking responsibility for past actions but also about empowering ourselves and others to proactively address future challenges. This proactive accountability is a hallmark of effective leadership across industries and cultures. Now I want you to reflect for a moment on the following.

How do you model accountability in your daily leadership? When was the last time you openly took responsibility for a mistake or setback? How do you encourage a culture of accountability within your team? According to a 2017 Gallup study titled The State of the American Workplace, organizations with high levels of accountability see a 21% increase in profitability and a 17% increase in productivity compared to those with low accountability. These findings highlight the tangible benefits of fostering accountability in teams and in organizations.

Now, here are 3 practical ways to model and inspire accountability as a leader. Number 1, set clear expectations. Clearly define roles, responsibilities and the goals for your team. Ensure everyone understands what success looks like and how their contributions fit into the bigger picture. Own your mistakes, number 2.

When things go wrong, acknowledge your part in it openly. This vulnerability shows integrity and encourages others to take responsibility for their actions. And number 3, provide constructive feedback. Create a culture where feedback is welcomed and seen as the opportunity for growth. Address issues directly, but with empathy, focusing on solutions rather than blame.

Remember, accountability is not a one time event, but a consistent practice. By making accountability a regular part of your leadership routine, you build trust, performance and a culture of ownership over time. Now your action challenge for this week is to identify one area in your leadership where accountability can be strengthened. Take a proactive step to address it, whether it's owning a mistake, setting clear expectations, or offering constructive feedback. Reflect on the impact of this chain change on your team.

Accountability is the cornerstone of trust and performance. And when you lead by example and foster a culture of accountability, you will empower your team to achieve their very best. Accountability like all leadership qualities is a habit that can be developed and strengthened over time. And by consistently choosing to lead with accountability, you're building a foundation of trust and performance that will serve you and your team in any leadership context. Now next week, we'll explore the theme of humility.

We'll discuss why humility is a powerful leadership trait, and how it helps leaders build stronger, more collaborative teams. Until then, keep practicing the habits that make great leaders, and remember, great leaders are made one habit at a time. See you next time on A Student of Leadership. Take care, everybody.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of A Student of Leadership. If you liked what you heard, then be sure to subscribe and share with like minded people. Have a burning question for Rob or a topic you'd love him to discuss on the show? Get in touch on socials. We'd love to hear from you.

We'll see you next time. And remember, great leaders are made one habit at a time.