Hold Leaders Accountable
Management Monday: Managing Leaders
National Legion recently landed in a sticky situation. Despite being the country’s largest organization of Wartime Veterans, providing financial, social and emotional support to members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their dependents, the group likely faces serious changes in leadership thanks to lack of accountability. Sometimes known simply as “The Legion,” the organization is under fire due to allegations of preventable deaths. As a result, three executive leaders were put on administrative leave until further notice. This type of compromised leadership is not an isolated situation. Certainly executives need to be responsible for their own behavior, but boards and companies could also do more to help them stay accountable (Washington Post).
How to Hold Leaders Accountable:
- Make expectations clear
- Convey orders of priority to prevent confusion
- Give continuous and consistent feedback
- Avoid saying “you” when addressing an issue (it feels accusatory)
- Provide leadership coaching to help leaders stay on track
When caught in the trap of poor decision making, it’s never easy to change old habits. In fact, it can be a slow and difficult process. But learning to make positive decisions is absolutely crucial. If ignored, the inability to rely on inner strength and intuition will undoubtedly negatively impact a leader’s work teams, family, friendships or marriage at some point. Accountability isn’t always easy. Emotional intelligence training is also a highly effective way to deal with this struggle in order to avoid landing in troubled waters. When correctly nurtured, leaders can do great things. Organizational leaders and executives are not super heroes, they are humans. In order for them to succeed, they must have a support system and guidance.
