[June 21, 2019] It had been a long day. The temperature was hovering around 120 degrees since about 10 am and the smell of garbage and filth permeated the air. As the afternoon sun bore down on our convoy, driving the temperatures up in our armored vehicles, we could see the glint of binoculars from the guard tower. An Iraqi army commander had refused us shelter at his base because his predecessor had allowed terrorists to enter and kill people.
We were on schedule but waiting for the gates to open and allow us access into the Iraq compound and safety of its walls. When you can see for miles in the desert, keeping track of the bad guys is relatively easy. In a dense urban neighborhood where we were sitting, things can get nasty quick.
“We need for there to be accountability, for there to be somebody who is responsible for enforcing standards and holding people’s feet to the fire.” – Jennifer Granholm, American politician
The Iraqi commander had good reason to delay our entry, but refusing entry was unreasonable. We had enough water, ammunition, and fuel to return to our U.S. military base only 30 minutes away. But, I had been ordered to this Iraqi base because they couldn’t fix a failing power grid. I’d brought along American utility engineers at the request of the Iraqi Government.
After a few hours, we were allowed entry and fulfilled our mission to repair the Iraqi power system. While at the base, I met the previous commander who had allowed terrorists on base. He had been promoted to the rank of Colonel! We were aghast at what was a clear disregard for holding a leader accountable for their actions. In the Iraqi army, at least in this case, there was no consequence for failure.
Iraqi army personnel at this base had low morale, an unwillingness to engage the enemy, ineffective defense efforts, low-levels of trust in their leadership, and a high desertion rate. This is what happens when leaders are not held accountable.
It is common for politicians not to be held accountable for their transgressions. See this story about a newly elected Congresswoman who misused campaign funds, filed illegal tax returns, and allegedly married her brother for nefarious purposes (link here). Nothing is being done about it, and yet anyone else would pay a heavy price.
Yes! Another spot-on blog post This one is about what happens when something fails.
??? Thanks Tracey.
For those readers hew to https://www.theleadermaker.com, note that the comments section is a valuable tool to further your understanding of Gen. Satterfield’s article of the day. I write this because a number of my co-workers have started reading this leadership blog and wanted to add a little to their skill sets. Here is where it can be found.
Transparency is key to reciprocal accountability, which we use to be both free and smart. This plays an awesome role in our daily lives.
Excellent point Lynn.
Thank you, Gen. Satterfield.
This is why when leaders lack accountability that really bad things happen.
I like this quote from Dana Loesch – tough lady who you want on your side.
“We either believe in accountability or we don’t.”
She is a great spokeswoman for the NRA. You have to be tough to hold that job.
You can find her in YouTube. Just search her name.
There is, of course, much to be said about the lack of accountability and those whom disregard their responsibility as a leader. The impact is what we should never forget and draw the key lessons from. That is what makes us better people.
Good comments, Bill. Learning not just what your accountability is but also how to carry them out is what distinguishes the good from the great.
The “how” is where many of us fall down on the job.
Thank you Willie.
I would think that there are volumes of words written about this. Just look at the many quotes and articles you can find on the Internet.
Good lesson from a bad situation. That’s often how we learn those key lessons in life.
Wow, must have been one of those days no one could ever forget. Sharing your wartime experiences is appreciated very much.
?. I agree …
Agreed. Good comments today.
It helps drive home the point that when accountability is lost, people can die.