I’m fortunate to have worked with many outstanding leaders — and a few, well, not so great.

The truth is, I really believe that with one or two exceptions, they all were doing what they thought was best for the organization, its people and for the customers they served. In other words, their intent was for good even when the execution, outcome or impact may have been lacking. Much the same could be said for most leaders I know or know of.

This belief, that a leader has my back, is very empowering. It frees me to think about, and to be about my own responsibilities for the organization, its people and our customers. What’s even better is when we can all be counted on to do our best and to have each other’s back.

Do I have my boss’s back? Does s/he have mine?

Do I have my direct reports’ backs? Do they have mine?

Do we have our customers' backs? If so, it’s a sure bet that they have ours.

Who has your back? Who are you willing to support as you LEAD!?