Accountability

Accountability is a necessity!  In fact, accountability is one of the most essential things that everyone must have in their lives.  This is especially true for those in leadership.  There will never be a time in your life when you reach the point where accountability is no longer necessary.  Leaders who think this way will eventually fall flat on their face.  If you don't believe me just take a moment to research every CEO, company president, or politician who's fallen from their lofty status.  At some point during their tenure, accountability grew lax.  This cannot happen in your own life.  Below are a couple of suggestions as to how you can remain accountable in your life as a leader:

1. Keep your spouse in the know.  Your spouse does not need to know every little detail, but make sure they know the big picture and what your day consisted of.
2. Keep a detailed scheduled.  A lot of people find this difficult, but it is very necessary.  Every luncheon, meeting, training time, etc., needs to be in your calendar.  This will allow your assistant to know where you are at all times, and not open the door for accusations that you are wasting your time or not doing anything.
3. Have someone monitor your internet history.  Don't allow a one-time mishap become a life-long struggle.
4. Avoid collecting money.  Have someone else be the designated money collector.
5. Have an accountability group.  You need a group of 2 or 3 close friends that you can meet with at least once a week to open up and be completely honest with.

These five things seem so simple, but if you are not careful, you can slowly squeeze them out of your life and leave yourself open to a painful fall.  Always remember that accountability is too important not to do.