Lessons That Stick: What Leaders Learned Early and Still Apply Today

Early in my career, I was handed a small laminated card titled The 10 Commandments to Personal and Team Success. 

One side outlined 10 Steps to Accountability, and the other detailed 10 Steps to Right Person, Right Place, and Right Time. 

Decades later, after a little wear and tear, I still keep that card in my wallet—and it’s become a guide I return to whenever challenges arise.

The biggest lesson? 

Accountability and clarity are the foundation of success. 

When things aren’t working, I go back to basics. Have expectations been clearly communicated? Are there detailed follow-up plans? Have I fostered a culture of recognition and engagement?

That card reminds me that success isn’t about complexity; it’s about staying grounded in proven principles. Whether managing a team or leading a company, those lessons from early in my career still guide my approach today. 

Simple steps, done consistently, make all the difference.

These steps focus on building a culture of personal and team accountability for success. 

10 Steps to Accountability: 

Clear Understanding of What Is Expected: Ensure everyone knows their roles, responsibilities, and how they align with team goals.

Planning for the Unknown: Anticipate potential challenges, prepare contingency plans, and mitigate risks proactively.

Mutually Understood Consequences: Define positive and negative outcomes tied to performance to guide behavior and decisions.

Detailed Follow-Up Plan: Outline clear next steps after meetings or strategy sessions, and follow through consistently.

Course Correct When Needed: Be willing to adapt plans if something isn’t working, and use accountability steps to identify the root cause.

Be Consistent: Maintain consistent expectations, actions, and communication to build trust and accountability.

Be Involved: Engage actively with your team by asking questions, listening, and providing support.

Assume Nothing: Avoid making assumptions about others’ knowledge or performance; communicate openly and verify details.

Recognize Performance: Celebrate achievements with recognition that motivates and reinforces positive behavior.

If Success Doesn’t Come, Reassess: When issues persist, revisit Right Person, Right Place, Right Time, see below. 

Right Person, Right Place, and Right Time

These steps focus on aligning talent and resources to drive team and organizational success:

Set Clear Expectations: Define roles and responsibilities to ensure alignment with individual and organizational goals.

Continually Assess Performance: Use both formal and informal assessments to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

Be Strategic in Succession Planning: Plan for the future by identifying and developing talent for evolving business needs.

Follow Destination Plans—Don’t Just Fill Jobs: Focus on long-term fit rather than quick fixes when hiring or promoting.

Train and Develop Your Team: Invest in employee growth through regular feedback, skills training, and shared knowledge.

Coach and Mentor: Provide consistent guidance to help employees overcome challenges and reach their potential.

Build Your Bench: Develop a deep pool of skilled, ready talent to step up when needed.

Recruit the Best: Stay actively involved in hiring, ensure alignment with culture, and leverage your top employees in the process.

Manage Performance: Evaluate employees regularly, provide constructive feedback, and take action to address performance issues.

If Success Doesn’t Come, Revisit the 10 Steps to Accountability

Use the accountability framework to address ongoing challenges and recalibrate efforts.

These two frameworks create a comprehensive approach to personal and team success by combining clear expectations, continuous improvement, and a commitment to aligning talent with goals.