Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders

CHAPTER 9

Be Accountable

Take responsibility and do what you say you will do.

One day not long ago, I got up early, made some toast with jam, grabbed a quick glass of orange juice, and headed out to exercise. When I returned, my wife, Roxanne, had gone out on some errands, and the note you see in Figure 9.1 was taped to the toaster.

FIGURE 9.1

This was my opportunity to make a choice. I could take responsibility, or I could blame the problem on something else—the toast, my being in a hurry, my mother, or just being a man. What would you do?

Fortunately, I made a wise decision and accepted responsibility. I cleaned up the mess, leaving a smooth, ...