"أعتقد أنه كقائد، عليك فقط تحمل المسؤولية"

Taking accountability as a leader is about owning up to your actions and decisions—both the good and the bad. It's about being the person who steps up and says, "Yep, that was on me," instead of pointing fingers or dodging responsibility. This is crucial because it builds trust and respect among your team. If your team knows you’re going to own up to your mistakes, they’ll feel more comfortable doing the same, and that creates a healthier, more open environment.

Historically, this concept has been emphasized in various leadership theories and practices. Think back to the days of ancient Rome. A general who led his troops to victory wouldn’t just bask in glory; he was also the one who faced the music when things went south. If a battle was lost, the general’s head was on the line—literally. This kind of accountability was ingrained because it showed the leader stood with his men, no matter the outcome.

Let's look at a modern example: remember the crisis at Johnson & Johnson in the 1980s with the Tylenol tampering incident? The company’s CEO at the time, James Burke, took full responsibility. He didn't shy away from the disaster. Instead, he led the charge in pulling Tylenol off the shelves, even though it cost the company a fortune. This move wasn’t just about fixing the problem; it was about showing the public and his employees that he was accountable. The result? The company regained trust and bounced back stronger than ever.

So, how do you apply this in your own life or career? Start small. When you mess up, don't hide it. Maybe you missed a deadline—it happens. Instead of making excuses, acknowledge it. Email your boss saying, “I missed the deadline due to my oversight. Here’s how I plan to fix it.” This proactive approach shows maturity and reliability. Over time, this habit of accountability will become second nature, and people around you will notice and appreciate it.

Picture this: you're in a team meeting, and things are getting tense. The project's behind, and everyone's looking for who’s to blame. You know you could’ve managed your part of the project better. Instead of staying quiet, you say, “I didn’t allocate enough time for my tasks, which contributed to this delay. I’m sorry, and I’m going to work late this week to catch up.” Imagine the relief in the room. By taking responsibility, you break the tension and set a precedent for your team.

Accountability isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being honest and transparent. When you lead with accountability, you create a culture where people feel safe to admit mistakes and learn from them. And that’s where real growth happens—both for individuals and the team as a whole.

So next time you’re faced with a mistake or oversight, think about how you can step up and take ownership. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but remember, real leadership isn’t about avoiding mistakes; it’s about how you handle them. And that’s where true respect and trust are earned.