Accountability

[Coaching Lesson #7 from our Serving Leadership Development Program—Developing Trusting Relationships, Phase 2]

Effective leaders hold themselves to the same standards they expect of others. Leaders must always first hold themselves accountable for their own actions.

If leaders are to be successful over the long-term, they must allow the Holy Spirit as well as the feedback from a few trusted friends to keep them accountable. None of us are immune to getting off track in both life and leadership.
 

King David’s Sin (2 Samuel 11:1-5, 27)

King David’s tragic fall into sin demonstrates what happens when leaders fail to create structures that hold them accountable for their actions and behaviors.

While David could hide his sin from his close associates, he could not hide them from God. The Prophet Nathan showed David that even kings are accountable for their actions.

Wise leaders don’t wait for a crisis to establish accountability. They proactively establish structures and relationships that will help them stay accountable.
 

How Accountability Works (Ephesians 4:25 & James 5:16)

Here are some questions to use in accountability sessions:

• What good have you done since we last met?
• Have you done anything (or are currently struggling with) that displeases God?
• Have you told us the truth today?

Read the following scriptures. What do they tell us about accountability?

• Galatians 6:1-5
• Luke 17:3
• Hebrews 4:13
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the purpose of accountability and why do people try to avoid it?
2. Do you know any leaders who didn’t have accountability partners and became involved in sin? What was the result?
3. Do you have a group of truth-tellers in your life that will hold you accountable? If not, why not?