Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you (Hebrews 13:17 NIV).

If you have ever had to lead someone who does not yield to your direction or who outright opposes you, you understand that leadership can be a burden. When you are leading problem people, your attention and energy are concentrated on how to deal with that person, and your focus on your mission and purpose is dissipated.

What many people forget is that everyone is accountable. The follower is accountable to the leader. The leader is accountable to those above him or her. The leader is even accountable to the follower to provide leadership that is right for the situation.

Clashes in authority usually occur when the leader makes one-sided decisions rather than involving team members in the process of shaping accountability. Part of your job as a leader is to be clear about who is accountable for what.

First, make sure that your accountability to those above you is clear. Establish how you will track and measure your work. Next, communicate with your team what you are accountable for, and make them joint owners with you to accomplish the goals. Finally, make sure each team member is aware of his or her specific responsibilities and how they contribute to the team's goals.

Make sure in the process that you are communicating positively to your team regarding how you are accountable to those above you. If you sow seeds of dissension and insubordination, your team will reflect the same attitude.

If everyone is accountable to each other and agrees to the boundaries of their responsibility, your work as the leader will be a joy.