Leaders take action.

We all know the sayings: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”, and “You are measured by what you do, not what you say you will do”, and many other that illustrate that accomplishing something is what leadership is all about.

It’s a lot like exercise–it is easy to sit at our desks or meet with our team and talk about getting things done or think about getting things done. It is much more difficult to actually get it done.

There is nothing more discouraging to a team member than to have the leader say they will do something, then not follow through. It sets a bad example for the team, who then can begin to believe they don’t need to follow through on their responsibilities either.

Even worse and more discouraging, is when the leader seldom follows through, yet expects the team members to jump on things and get them done quickly.

Leaders are successful when they and their teams accomplish their goals. That occurs when everyone is accountable for their job and they hold each other accountable.

The leader sets the tone and example. When leaders jump in and start making phone calls, sending out emails, scheduling meetings and reporting about what they have accomplished, that is the example set for the team.

Over time that becomes the culture for the entire team—people know they are expected to follow through with what they agree to do. No wasting time on this team!

It is so easy to say to yourself “I will put that on the list for tomorrow”.

But, successful leaders don’t waste time or put off doing something they could get done right now:

• They make the phone call right in the meeting.
• They send the email right then.
• They set up the meeting so the pressing decision can be made as soon as possible or the discussion can be had with the right people in the room.
• They write that article by the end of the day.
• They have the discipline to get their list done first thing in the morning.

They do these things for three reasons:

• First, to actually move their projects forward.
• Second, because when they get their ‘to-dos’ done they are then able to hold their team members accountable when they don’t.
• Third, they know that success comes to those who get things done.

Leaders are accountable to their team and to themselves. Set the right example and get moving!