Leadership accountability–just some thoughts
Is it just me or does anyone else believe that the most important quality of a leader is trustworthiness and his willingness to accept responsibility? If he wont tell the truth while in the light he can’t be trusted in the heat of conflict.
While following an 18-wheeler along Interstate 12 recently I read the sign painted on the back of the trailer, it said: “If you observe me driving in an irresponsible manner please call 1-800-XXX-XXXX and report my actions.” Clearly the idea was to encourage responsible driving by this truck driver. The truck’s owner believed if his driver was reminded he would be held accountable for his actions he might be motivated to drive responsibly in those moments when his own commitment was at low ebb.
Accountability and responsibility are two sides of the same coin. We should do the right thing in all circumstances irrespective of wether or not someone is watching. The truth is there are times when we are tempted to take temporary short cuts that sacrifice long term good. Yielding to this temptation is devastating to a leader because it undermines trust. We overcome these moments of weakness if we have the support of an external accountability system. I’d like to hear your ideas on this.
Courage | Robert A. Moore, Jr. September 18, 2009
9 Comments to “Leadership accountability–just some thoughts”
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By Robert A. Moore, Jr., October 27, 2009 @ 7:26 pm
Bruce & Ray: Those are some very good points as it connects Grace with Leadership. Forgiveness is unending but indeed trust is not automatic. When a leader–even a father, husband, wife, congressmen, preacher, etc. loses our trust his/her forgiveness can come quickly but leadership effectiveness takes much, much longer. God help us to stay close enough in prayer and communication to help each other stay TRUSTWORTHY.
By Ray Waldo, October 27, 2009 @ 9:55 am
@Bruce: I agree about the track record requirement for trust.
It is also significant that James 3:1 says that “we who teach will be judged more strictly” (NIV).
It does not seem appropriate for a national (or international) religious leader to quickly return to prominence after a moral fall.
Forgiveness is one thing but returning to leadership is another. But perhaps they make a distinction between teaching and preaching and/or leading {GRIN}. http://chiefshepherd.com/2009/10/preaching-or-teaching/
By Bruce Kuhlman, October 26, 2009 @ 11:24 pm
Forgiveness is a given (I suggest) among Christians, however Trust…requires a track record. When I am defiled by another peer, I am to forgive…but there is not a chapter and verse that tells me to–trust–with the same speed that I forgive. On another note Omnipresence is an attribute of our God…if we really believe this is one of his characteristics, we will perhaps react less or not at all to many of the temptations we meet on the road. In my past, I have done things I am not at all proud of…and did not get caught by any human being in my circle…however I realize that my Father was there all the time and ultimately required a repentant song out of me in order for my sleep to be restful.
By Ray Waldo, September 26, 2009 @ 2:09 am
The primary attribute of a “good” man evidently is integrity. It was the attribute that God pointed out (about Job) when he was dismissing the devil. And, after it was all said and done, Job “still maintain[ed] his integrity.” (Job 2:3)
Integrity is “getting all your ducks in a row.” It means that I do not sacrifice one virtue in order to elevate another. In order for me to hold someone else accountable, I must also be accountable. And, as Rob says, I will act more responsibly if I am held accountable. Isn’t that what our justice system is based on (reword: WAS BASED ON)?
By Ken, September 24, 2009 @ 12:10 am
I believe you are absolutely right on target. Accountability is the key to all effective leaders. I feel probably as most… who can I trust enough become accountable with? If I tell my freind something is he or she as my accountablity partner going to support me enough to say I am going to stand with you and help you through this or turn it around and try to destory me for it. The truth is we all struggle with area of of lives and some more than others. I like what Ray said, “I believe that most people recognize their own faults and consequently, assume others fail as well. When we try and set oursleves up as faultless, we loose creditbility wit the very people we are trying to impress. I like what you said as well… “The truth is there are times when we are tempted to take temporary short cuts that sacrifice long term good. Yielding to this temptation is devastating to a leader because it undermines trust.
This is one blog I believe everyone should read… We cannot take short cuts!
By Robert A. Moore, Jr., September 27, 2009 @ 1:26 am
Those are good observations Ken. I’ve always tried to have at least one person in my life–in addition to my wife. that could be totally honest with me. One man said this is the person that wont let you cheat in your golf scpre. This needs to be a person that you know loves you and will allow you hold them accountable as well. When I’ve identified a temptation or season of weakness I will invite that person to watch for this and to call me on it if he witnesses or senses I’m drifting or about to compromise. We will all have seasons where we drift or get lazy. The Holy Spirit will warn and convict us. A faithful friend will put his finger right on it and challenge us to get back on track.
By Ray Waldo, September 20, 2009 @ 9:15 am
I assume this relates to the first article in your quote from Challeff about assuming responsibility because it is not always the other guy’s fault.
In my old age, I have come to understand that it is easier to admit my faults and ask forgiveness than it is to try to cover my mistakes and attempt to appear faultless.
Actually, I believe that most people recognize their own faults and consequently, assume others fail as well. When we try to set ourselves up as faultless, we loose credibility with the very people we are trying to impress.
By Robert A. Moore, Jr., September 27, 2009 @ 1:19 am
Thanks for the feedback Ray. One of the dangers of speaking about integrity is the tendency of us to either slip into a cocoon of self-rightoussness or to appear that we think we have it all together. I think your post tells us that we do not have to be perfect just concious of the fact people have a right to withness us walk our talk. It’s simple, don’t promise more than what you can deliver and don’t pretend to be something your not in order to impress or influence others. This type of infulence wont last anyway.
By Ray Waldo, September 19, 2009 @ 8:49 pm
You are absolutely correct about these things. Integrity is an important issue for ministers and laypersons.
I have begun an extension to this concept in a series of articles on my site at http://chiefshepherd.com/2009/09/responsibility-or-authority/ So far, I have two articles completed and probably two more in the works. I encourage comments on the work.
Keep up the good work.