You often hear me say, “You’re either influencing or being influenced.” Same is true for the image you project. It is the perception others have of you, which is either intentional or not; an asset or liability. In any case, you are the perception – and as they say, perception is reality.
What does that mean? It means, when it comes to being accountable, do you know how you are perceived? Quick answer: Exactly the way you behave.
If you know me, you know I’m the kind of person (and the kind of Executive Coach) who leaves no place to hide. My job is to help you uncover your self-deception and hold you accountable to “fix that shit” (as my pickleball partner reminds me). With clients, I am clear and consistent (and some say a little scary) because when your job is to hold powerful people accountable, that’s what it takes.
When you’re a CEO, much like an only child, other people’s time revolves around yours. Meetings start when you walk in. They finish when you walk out. If you’re late, people wait. If you cancel at the last minute, people reschedule without questions. Seemingly, your actions have little consequence.
Or do they…?
Leadership Metrics
While the truth is, on paper, your time may be more valuable than others, your choices create a ripple effect. Reliability, liability, culpability, and answerability are synonymous with accountability. I turned these words into measures by which you shape the perception others have of you.
- RELIABILITY is being dependable and worthy of another’s trust.
- ANSWERABILITY is taking responsibility to answer for the good and the bad.
- CULPABILITY is being willing to take the blame for wrongdoing or failure.
- LIABILITY is behaving in a way that makes it difficult to achieve success.
How Do You Rate?
So, if those are the terms by which we measure accountability, how do you rate?
Do you:
- Keep people waiting?
- Shove blame onto someone else’s lap?
- Cancel meetings at the last minute?
- React to situations emotionally and unpredictably?
Get clear on the choices you make and the message they send because you are 100% responsible for your team, colleagues, and other leaders’ perception of you.
Share your thoughts and insights. I’d love to hear from you.
Curious about executive coaching, increasing your influence and being a more effective leader? I’m happy to chat.
Want to write your Private Memoir™? Me too! Let’s talk about it.
Have feedback you’re dying to give me? I’m all ears and look forward to hearing from you.