Accountability means taking responsibility for one’s actions, aligning with the age-old adage: “Actions speak louder than words.” It’s about prioritizing what matters most and following through on commitments. In my experience, I’ve always embraced the mantra “Actions speak louder than words” as a guiding principle. As a leader, this is the foundation of creating meaningful progress and trust.
Of course, no leader is perfect. My greatest personal challenge has been patience. When I want something done, I want it done now. Recognizing this tendency, I’ve been intentional about growth—learning to set reasonable deadlines and balancing urgency with understanding. Despite this flaw, my team knows one thing for sure: when I commit to something, I deliver. This consistency builds trust, rooted in their experience of my follow-through.
Imagine this scenario: as a child, your aunt promises to pick you up for ice cream. You sit and wait, but she never shows. As a child, your thoughts spiral: Maybe she doesn’t want to spend time with me. Maybe she doesn’t care. Maybe I’m not important. This experience can be devastating, leaving you feeling overlooked and unvalued. Of course, we don’t know the aunt’s reasoning—perhaps an emergency came up or she simply forgot. But does her excuse matter when considering the emotional impact on the child? Now, consider the same principle in leadership. When leaders fail to deliver on promises, the team internalizes it similarly: I’m not a priority. I’m not recognized. I don’t bring enough value. Over time, this erodes morale, trust, and ultimately the business itself.
Being accountable—consistently doing what you say you’ll do—provides immense value to your team. It instills confidence, fosters mutual respect, and reinforces a culture of reliability. Stop making excuses for your team and start prioritizing them. Remember, your team reflects your leadership and, by extension, your brand. Letting your team down can ripple outwards, impacting how customers perceive your organization.
Richard Branson encapsulates this beautifully: “Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.”
It all comes down to priorities. As a leader, my focus is on building a team of future leaders. How can I expect my team to trust my vision if they’re constantly left waiting on my actions? How can I inspire confidence if my words don’t translate into deeds? Leadership is not about commanding from a distance; it’s about leading from the front—listening, acting, and being accountable.
Accountability starts with you. When you prioritize your team and commit to their success, the business will naturally reflect its value. Lead with integrity, and the results will follow.
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