Module Four: Accountability
Ok, let’s be honest. How many of us have regrets in our lives?… We all have done or said things that we later regret. This is a part of life. The goal is to learn how to navigate our mistakes in a healthy way that will enhance our relationships.
One of my pet peeves is when someone refuses to own their mistakes. The simple phrase “I’m sorry” or “That one is on me” is powerful when backed up with a sincere choice to change or correct our behavior. Regrets add up when we choose to keep doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result.
I want to learn from my mistakes. I want to change and grow in my thoughts and, more importantly, my actions. I want to live life to its fullest and that includes regrets. Regrets that are used as opportunities to grow and change are treasures that allow us to experience deep, meaningful relationships.
Let’s stop trying to be perfect (or always right) in our relationships and realize the power of admitting our mistakes and then growing and changing our actions in order to strengthen our relationships.
When we choose to own and learn from our regrets, we will make a difference.
Larry Little
Eagle Center for Leadership
Leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making progress. Mistakes and challenges are inevitable, but they’re also opportunities to learn and grow. At MSS, accountability is a cornerstone of the core value of integrity. Taking responsibility for one’s actions and striving for improvement are key to building trust and creating collaboration. Whether managing operations on a job site or navigating relationships within a team, aligning actions with values creates a strong foundation for success.
In this module, we introduce four key principles of effective leadership: Personal Accountability, Transparency, Ownership, and Feedback. These pillars are the foundation for building relationships rooted in trust and creating a workplace where every team member feels empowered to contribute their best.
At MSS, these principles shape our approach to integrity in all areas, from delivering dependable site services to strengthening internal teamwork. Accountability is not just about completing tasks or meeting goals; it’s about building a culture where individuals take pride in their contributions, learn from their mistakes, and support one another in pursuit of excellence.
“A culture of accountability makes a good organization great and a great organization unstoppable.”
In the MSS Way Accountability module, we explore four key lessons that form the foundation of effective leadership: Personal Accountability, Transparency, Ownership, and Feedback. Personal Accountability is about taking responsibility for our actions and decisions, being honest with ourselves, and learning from our results to build trust and reliability. Transparency emphasizes open communication, where leaders explain their reasoning, admit mistakes, and act with integrity to strengthen teamwork and trust. Ownership encourages taking pride in our work and connecting our efforts to our goals, turning accountability into a personal commitment that drives growth. Finally, Feedback highlights the importance of respectful communication to foster improvement, strengthen relationships, and create a supportive environment where everyone can succeed. Leaders who use feedback to grow help their teams thrive and become better leaders themselves.
As you explore these lessons, you’ll gain practical strategies to build leadership skills and create an environment where trust, accountability, and collaboration drive success, laying the groundwork for ongoing growth and shared achievement. Let’s get started!
