As a business leader, I realize the importance of delegating work to capable staff. However, with delegation comes the responsibility to accomplish the job. With responsibility comes accountability to ensure that the work gets done according to expectations.

Scripture clearly describes three critical areas of accountability that, as leaders, are foundational to our business success. First, consider the importance of personal accountability, which affects my relational accountability and leadership accountability. As Paul reminds us:

So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Romans 14:12

Let’s take a few moments to consider each from God’s perspective.

1. Personal Accountability

As a leader, I can’t just presume that I’m living up to God’s expectations. My natural tendency is quite the opposite. Jeremiah has lots to say about this:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and beyond cure.

who can understand it?”

Jeremiah 17:9

Just as I hold my employees to account, God says that He is also tracking not only what I do but what I think, as well.

“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind,

to reward each person according to their conduct,
    according to what their deeds deserve.”

Jeremiah 17:10

God doesn’t mince His words as He expects me to take fully responsibility for our actions. James reminds us:

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do

and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

James 4:17

Take time to pray asking the Holy Spirit if I need to

repent or change in some area of my life or work.

2. Relational Accountability

God calls me, as a leader, to also have accountability to one another as His people. As I build relationships with other believers individually and in a small group, they can help me grow and become more aligned with God’s expectations for me. Paul said it well with:

Therefore encourage one another and build one each other up,

just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

These relationships can become very personal at a level many of us are not accustomed to experiencing. When we become free to admit our struggles and sins to others, it can bring healing. The prayers of those friends can be powerful to help me grow in intimacy with my Heavenly Father.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray

for each other so that you may be healed.

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

James 5:16

In what ways am I deepening relationships with other believers

with whom I can share my struggles and experience their healing prayers?

3. Leadership Accountability

Finally, I will need to account for how I handle my responsibilities as a leader. In fact, according to scripture, I’m held to an even higher standard in light of my leadership position:

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers,

because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

James 3:1

One of the best ways to keep myself accountable as a leader is to ensure that I have a carefully selected group of advisors to help me make the best decisions for those who work under my employ, especially in difficult times. Solomon wrote a lot about this in his proverbs:

Without counsel plans fail, but with 

many advisers they succeed.

Proverbs 15:22

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, 

but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 12:15

How many and how often do I take time 

to ask for seek the wise counsel and

advice of trust business colleagues?

Remember that personal accountability begins first as I account of my words and thoughts before God. Then, I can experience relational accountability within a community of trusted believers. As we support and pray for each other, we will grow responsibly in His likeness. The result of these two levels of accountability will have a profound impact on your leadership accountability in your business and with your employees.