So, are you in charge?

There are different types of leaders, but more importantly there are different types of leadership positions. When you are weighing a new leadership role or assessing your current one, there are four attributes that scale the leadership role. How you been in a role where you had all the accountability but no responsibility to get something done . . . not good and most likely you probably were not successful (although it can be done, but makes it difficult on you). When you examine your role or another's person role (or even your supervisor's role), think about how important or level of these attributes as it will help you think about what is ultimately important to you personally as a leader.


These attributes of the leadership position are Responsibility, Accountability, Position of Authority and Personal Power. Let's quickly talk about each one.

Responsibility is the obligation to do assigned tasks. The person is responsible for being proficient at his or her job. The leader is responsible for what employees do or fail to do, as well as for the resources under their control.

Accountability is answering for the result of one's actions or omissions. It is the reckoning, whereby one answers for his or her actions and accepts the consequences, good or bad. Accountability establishes reasons, motives and importance for actions in the eyes of the leaders and employees alike. Accountability is the final act in the establishment of one's credibility. It is important to remember that accountability results in rewards for good performance, as well as the downside for poor performance.

Authority is the legitimate power of a leader to direct staff to take action within the scope of the leader's position. The owner of the organization has the authority to make decisions.

Power is the ability to exert influence in the organization beyond authority, which is derived from position. The supervisor's personal power could include job knowledge, personal influence, interpersonal skills, and ability to get results.

If you were to set a 10 point scale for each, how would you rate yourself on your needs in the leadership role. My career coach was helpful in me thinking this through and am not doing real justice to this discussion but hope it helps you think about your leadership role and your needs to achieve what you would like.