Tag: personal-development

TRAILBLAZERS: Become Someone Others Choose to Follow

Blog by Tracy Stock, CSP

Trailblazers. They are not content with maintaining the status quo or following everyone else. Instead, they forge a new way forward and pave a path for others to follow—passionately leading, inspiring and influencing along the way.

Unfortunately, most leaders today fall short of being considered a great leader and are a far cry from standing tall as trailblazers. In fact, according to recent Gallup research, 75 percent of employees report leaving their jobs due to poor leadership—underscoring the massive need for skilled and effective leaders.

But even though most people understand the significance in having quality leadership in place, efforts to effectively develop and prepare leaders aren’t even close to where they need to be. In a recent study by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), 83 percent of organizations acknowledge the importance of implementing a comprehensive leadership development program—with only a mere 5 percent having actually done it. Not only is there a stark necessity to better develop leaders, this alarming gap illuminates the need for leaders to take initiative and be accountable for their own development.

If you want to enhance your leadership skills and help fellow leaders develop theirs—to be seen as an exceptional leader who is influential, highly effective, and is committed to helping others—my new book entitled, TRAILBLAZERS: 18 Essential Traits of Exceptional Leaders, Become Someone Others Choose to Follow is a must have!

If you are committed to one day become an admired leader who others choose to follow because they want to—versus becoming one of the many leaders who others begrudgingly obey because the “chain of command” says they have to—pre-order this leadership book now to receive free shipping and be the first to receive it (by 6/2/2025).

To become an esteemed trailblazer—a leader who boldly blazes a fiery trail of exceptionalism within yourself, alongside your team, throughout your organization, and across your industry—you’ve come to the right place. This book describes and illustrates 18 essential “Trailblazer Traits” that exemplify this type of leader. After you discover and understand these traits, it’s up to you to dedicate the time, effort and patience necessary to develop and refine your skills. Soon you will be the exceptional leader you aspire to be.

Accountability: Nobody Screws You Better than Yourself

Blog by Tracy Stock, CSP

In a world filled with distractions and shifting responsibilities, one trait consistently separates those who achieve success from those who struggle to make progress: accountability. Rather than shifting blame or making excuses, being accountability means owning your actions, decisions and commitments. Whether in personal relationships, the workplace, or self-improvement, holding oneself accountable is the foundation for trust, discipline, and long-term success.

Why is accountability important? It not only builds trust and credibility by following through on your promises, but it also strengthens relationships through words and actions, enhances productivity and performance by taking initiative and staying committed to results, and it creates a greater sense of ownership and empowerment when you realize you’re not a victim of circumstances and do have the power to change your life for the better.

Interestingly, though, there is no accountability gene. We aren’t born with or without it. Accountability is a choice. It’s not simple, nor easy. And because of this, many don’t demonstrate accountability, which in turn, ends up hurting those individuals the most. Why do you say you are going to do something, you don’t do it for whatever the reason, and then fault something or someone else for your lack of action? You end up looking bad, trust is broken, and now your focus is on fixing the problem [you caused]. As the saying goes, “Nobody screws you better than yourself.”

If you want to cultivate greater accountability in your life, here are five key strategies to help you achieve success with it:

1. Set Clear Goals and Expectations. Know what you want to achieve and outline actionable steps to get there. The clearer your goals, the easier it is to hold yourself accountable.

2. Track Your Progress. Use journals, planners, or digital tools to monitor your progress. Regular check-ins help you stay on track and recognize areas for improvement.

3. Own Your Mistakes. When things go wrong, acknowledge your part in it. Avoid making excuses and focus on solutions instead. Growth comes from learning from failures.

4. Seek Feedback and Support. Surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable. Whether it’s a mentor, a friend, or a colleague, having someone who challenges you to stay on track can make a significant difference.

5. Follow Through on Commitments. Do what you say you will do. Keeping promises—both to yourself and others—strengthens discipline and builds trust.

Be accountable for your thoughts, words, behaviors, and actions. Own the bad, the bitter, the beneficial and the best. We’re all flawed, but by choosing accountability over excuses, we stop the cycle of hurting ourselves and instead take greater control of our life and our outcomes. Come on, you got this!