Yearly Archives: 2024

Where does accountability start? This is not a rhetorical question. I believe there is a clear answer: it starts with the leader. If you, as the leader, want a high accountability culture, it starts with you. Allow me to explain. It's true: it is lonely at the top. As a result, I have found that from time to time, I have to ask myself some tough questions to hold myself accountable. Here are some examples you may want to ask yourself. Am I keeping my priorities? Or am I wavering on occasion? Am I communicating with absolute clarity? Or is it fuzzy sometimes? Am I really listening to the other person? Am I 100% locked into what they are saying? [...]

Trust does matter; we all know that. Trust is the currency of every relationship. Reaching out to your people and building relationships based on trust appears to be a natural concept. Sometimes, it is not all simple. So, how do you build trust that lasts? Below are a few ideas you may want to consider: You can start with a mindset that people want to contribute. I believe, and hope you do as well, that most of your people come to work every day and want to do a good job. Value your people and believe in them. Let them know you trust them and believe in them. Ask yourself, why should they trust you if you don't trust them?   In [...]

It has been said countless times, and I believe it is true: "The most important asset we have in our business is our people." Henry Ford said it best: "You can take away my buildings, machinery, my land, but leave me my people, and in no time, I will have everything back." Henry understood his most important asset. One of our jobs as leaders is to hire the right people and then put them in a place where they can shine. We then need to create and be clear on the expectations. The next step is to equip them—equip them with the tools and resources, train them, and evaluate their progress. Part of equipping them is helping them stay focused on [...]