Alan had promised to take care of something for a client within two hours, but then another client needed something and a co-worker engaged him in a conversation about last night's game... The result was a very unhappy client called Alan four hours later.
Why did Alan drop the ball with the first client? One key reason: His boss does the same thing with him regularly. Employee behavior mirrors their leader's behavior. Your managers' behavior mirrors your behavior as an executive or owner. Their direct reports behave like them. It is a cascading effect that can be positive or negative.
At this mid-year point I suggest you take a break by yourself and assess your performance as a leader. Are you really doing the things you believe are most important?
Here is a sample list of accountability questions to ask yourself. You may want to create your own list based on your company's mission, values, and vision. Keep the list to 10 or less questions. Focus on what is most important.
1. What have I done so far this year that reinforces our missionstatement? How have I failed to demonstrate our mission?
2. What are the easiest company values for me to demonstrate consistently? Which of our values are difficult for me?
3. What have I done this year to move us towards achieving ourvision? Where have I allowed myself to be distracted and thus held us back from making the progress we should have?
4. How am I doing on my 2012 goals?
5. How consistently am I meeting with my direct reports to confirm their progress towards meeting their annual goals?
6. Am I confirming my direct reports are meeting my expectationsfor their behavior, and I am meeting their expectations for mine, often enough so our company culture is as strong as it can be?
7. What are my three biggest achievements so far this year and what is the impact of that work? What are the three most important things I must do through year-end?
IMPORTANT: Be realistic about how and when you are going to improve. Build in accountability. Take time to do something fun to reward yourself for what you did right.
As you look in the mirror on these seven areas of accountability, take the time to enjoy the process of holding yourself responsible for being the best you can be.
If everyone in your company mirrored your behavior over the last six months, what would have been the effect on your employees and clients... and you?
Be the example, the catalyst, the inspiration for your people. Hold yourself accountable and teach your people to do the same. | 
