One of the biggest misconceptions about accountability is that it requires leaders to stay close to every piece of work.
I’ve learned the opposite is often true.
The strongest accountability I’ve seen doesn’t come from leaders constantly checking progress, but instead from leaders who consistently coach people to think for themselves.
That takes patience.
Sometimes it feels slower and sometimes it means watching someone wrestle with a problem you know you could solve in five minutes.
Leadership has never been about proving what we know – it’s about helping others discover what they’re capable of.
As I reflect on the conversations I’ve had with leaders this month, one theme stands out.
Most aren’t trying to control their teams, they’re trying to protect them.
Protect them from:
- Mistakes
- Criticism
- Failure.
The irony is that over-protection often prevents the very growth we’re hoping to encourage.
People build confidence by making decisions. Learning from them. Adjusting and trying again.
Our role isn’t to remove every obstacle.
It’s to create an environment where people can navigate those obstacles successfully.
As August comes to a close, I’d encourage you to ask yourself one final question:
If your team described your leadership in one sentence, would they say you create dependence, or capability?
That’s a confronting question.
But it might also be one of the most valuable leadership reflections you’ll make this year.
Have a wonderful weekend.
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