Viking Safeguard XVIII: Leadership Accountability – Setting the Tone at the Top

Hail, Mighty Leaders!

In the battlefield of business, it is not just the strength of the shields or the might of the sword that determines victory—it is the leadership at the helm that steers the course. Last week, we explored the hidden risks that can fester within a company’s culture. Today, we turn our gaze to the top of the chain, where leadership accountability plays a critical role in securing the foundation of any organization.

The Power of Leadership to Shape Culture

The tone of an organization is set by its leaders. Like the captain of a ship, it is the leader who sets the direction, commands the crew, and leads by example. Leadership is not merely a position of authority; it is a mantle of responsibility. When leaders hold themselves accountable, they create a culture where integrity and trust form the backbone of the company.

As Holly McLeod , Partner at Heidrick Consulting’s Culture Shaping Practice, puts it: “It’s not enough to promote accountability for others. Leaders themselves must embody it, because people are always watching—not just listening. If you allow leaders to escape responsibility, their actions signal to the entire organization that you don’t mean what you say about accountability. Their actions will shape the entire organization.” Leadership is a mirror; the behaviors and values leaders demonstrate ripple throughout the organization, for better or worse.

Leadership’s Role in Strengthening the Ship

Accountability at the top is not a luxury—it is the cornerstone of any resilient organization. When leaders hold themselves to high standards, the organization follows suit. Employees who witness their leader's taking ownership of their actions feel empowered to do the same. In this way, accountability becomes contagious, spreading through the ranks like the rising tide that lifts all ships.

On the other hand, when leadership refuses to take responsibility, or worse, hides behind excuses, the crew begins to lose faith. Internal conflicts, misunderstandings, and unchecked behavior begin to erode the morale of the team. The ship is only as strong as the integrity of its leadership.

Strengthening Leadership Accountability

For leadership to truly inspire loyalty and trust, accountability must be woven into the fabric of the organization. Here are ways to ensure leadership sets the right course:

1. Lead by Example: Leaders must model the behaviors they expect from their teams. Transparency, ownership, and integrity are not just ideals; they are actions that must be demonstrated daily.
2. Clear Expectations: A ship sails best when the course is known. Setting clear expectations for leadership behavior, decision-making, and values gives everyone a compass to follow.
3. Own Mistakes: Even the mightiest of captains make errors, but true strength lies in admitting those mistakes and correcting the course. Leaders who acknowledge their missteps foster a culture of continuous growth and improvement.
4. Encourage Feedback: Leaders must be open to feedback from their crew. Listening to concerns and acting on them strengthens the ship and helps avoid the hidden reefs that can wreck an organization.

The Consequences of Ignoring Accountability

When leadership fails to embrace accountability, the organization is vulnerable to collapse. Whether through poor decision-making, neglect of critical issues, or refusal to take responsibility, a leader who does not hold themselves accountable undermines the entire crew. The ship begins to splinter, and before long, trust is lost.

The consequences are not just internal. A lack of leadership accountability can expose the organization to legal risks, employee turnover, and damage to its reputation. The cost of ignoring accountability is far greater than the cost of owning one's actions.

Final Thoughts

In the Viking tradition, a captain’s strength was measured not by the size of their fleet, but by their ability to lead with honor and integrity. In today’s world, the same principle applies. Leadership accountability is the anchor that keeps an organization steady, no matter how rough the seas become. By fostering a culture of accountability, companies ensure that their ship remains strong and resilient, capable of navigating the challenges ahead.

Let us ensure that our leaders set the standard and guide the ship with the strength that comes from owning their actions and steering the organization with purpose and trust.

May your leadership always guide your ship to safer shores, Marianne Halvorsen, CPCU, AIS