Accountability
Larry’s Leadership Launch
Some would say that it is a rare thing to find one who stays true to his or her word. With the fast-paced competitive environment that we live in, it appears that keeping your word may be becoming less important to those who lead. While this may be true, I recently experienced something very different.
We have the opportunity to work with a group of executives who lead a division of a large multi-million dollar corporation. With the pressures and constant change in their company, they could have made multiple excuses about not hitting deadlines that are necessary for execution of work. Instead, they communicated to us regularly, they gave us their word that they were working through the process. They were authentic, transparent, and honest. Each leader worked to create a partnership with us by keeping us in the loop with consistent meetings and communication.
These leaders are not perfect, and their organization has many things to work on to become a more healthy company. Isn't that true of most of us? These leaders chose to walk with integrity and honesty through a jungle of unpredictability and at times poor leadership from those above them in the organization. Their circumstances did not control their character.
Thank you, my friends, for your leadership and choosing to push this thing through to the finish line with integrity. Choose to be a leader who keeps his or her word and you will make a difference.
Larry Little
Eagle Center for Leadership
Accountability is a foundational part of leadership at North Wind. It shapes trust, reinforces credibility, and supports long-term success. Leaders who hold themselves to a clear standard set a steady example for others and help create a workplace where trust, transparency, and ownership guide daily actions.
Trust grows when people know what to expect. Employees are more likely to follow and perform for leaders who follow through on what they say. That trust is reinforced by transparency—when communication is open, expectations are clear, and decisions are explained with honesty. These habits strengthen the connection between leaders and teams, supporting shared accountability.
Strong accountability also encourages ownership. When individuals understand how their role fits into the larger picture and feel supported in making decisions, they’re more likely to take initiative and stay engaged. A culture built on these values becomes one where people feel respected, included, and motivated to contribute
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
The North Wind Way supports leaders in building this kind of environment. It calls for steady habits rooted in fairness, consistency, and respect. With these values in place, teams can work together more confidently, and the organization can move forward with purpose and clarity.
As you begin this program, take a moment to reflect on how your leadership shapes the experience of those around you. The way you communicate, make decisions, and follow through each day sets the tone for your team. This is your opportunity to strengthen that example and continue building a workplace grounded in trust, openness, and shared responsibility. Let’s get started!