ac-count-a-ble (1) required or expected to justify actions or decisions; responsible: government must be accountable to its citizens. See note at re-sponsible. ac-count-a-bil-i-ty/n.
It is impossible to lead other people without internalizing the virtue of accountability. [bctt tweet=”It is impossible to lead other people without internalizing the virtue of accountability.” via=”no”]
Of course, there are leaders that have not internalized that virtue, and we know them and, even more sadly, we don’t expect much from them. The level of respect we have for leaders that are not accountable, or who do not take responsibility, is greatly diminished when compared to leaders who accept responsibility for their actions or decisions. In general, most people yearn for accountable leaders because it is perceived to be such a rare virtue.
One of the leaders in our state recently violated this covenant. Our Governor is in the process of privatizing Medicaid, which, at this point, is still his prerogative as Chief Executive. The problem is that the privatization process is not moving along so smoothly. Deadlines have been missed and the targets for implementation have been extended. None of this is really a surprise. But in the meantime, the one in five Iowans who depend upon Medicaid or Medicaid-related healthcare—the poorest of the poor, in other words—are left to try to navigate the bureaucracy on their own. They are confused, frightened, and feel as if they have been left alone. If you’re an older Iowan on Medicaid, the doctor to which you’ve entrusted your health may—or may not—be your doctor when this is over. If you’re prevented from working because your mentally ill child needs extra at-home care, you may end up having to drive to another county to get treatment that was once five minutes away from your house. When challenged about this condition by our local editorial board, our Lt. Governor responded, “You know how it is. People love progress but they hate change.”
People yearn for accountable leadership in state government, in local government, in their places of employment, and in their homes. Leaders who practice the virtue of accountability are not fearful of admitting a mistake, or offering an apology for a terrible decision.[bctt tweet=”Leaders who practice the virtue of accountability are not fearful of admitting a mistake, or offering an apology.” via=”no”]
They often end these virtuous moments with the phrase, “I’ll try to do a better job next time.” Most people tend to be pretty forgiving. After all, who among us hasn’t fallen short? Jim Collins once said that, “People who take credit in good times and blame external forces in bad times do not deserve to lead. End of story.” He was talking about accountability.
When I was about fourteen or fifteen years old my grandfather taught me to shake hands. I can remember standing in his tiny living room in Corning, Iowa rehearsing handshakes again, again, and again. “Grip my hand firmly,” he said, “otherwise it feels like you’re shaking hands with a dead fish. You don’t want people thinking you’re a dead fish, do you?” So we practiced, and practiced some more. I have since found myself having that same conversation with my sons.
My grandfather was teaching me that accountability, as expressed in a handshake, means that each party in the relationship is committed to taking responsibility for their actions. A firm grip signals a firm commitment, a personal investment in keeping one’s word. A weak grip signals a fishy commitment, and maybe even a lack of personal investment in the relationship. Handshakes matter, that’s what he was telling me.
When leading people, fist bumps and high fives just don’t have the same impact as a firm handshake. It may seem to be old-fashioned, particularly in a digital age, but a firm handshake signifies a strong and almost unconscious commitment to a relationship. It’s physical. It’s personal. And, when taken seriously, it will change the nature of relationships in your sphere of influence. [bctt tweet=”It may be old-fashioned in the world of fist bumps and high-fives but a firm handshake signifies a strong commitment.” via=”no”]
