What are considered the two special "burdens" of authority?

The two special "burdens" of authority are responsibility and accountability. When a person holds a position of authority, they must not only make decisions but also bear the weight of those decisions.

Responsibility refers to the obligation to perform duties and to ensure that tasks are completed. Those in authority are mandated to lead, guide, and make choices that affect others, which inherently comes with the responsibility to address both the successes and failures of those decisions.

Accountability, on the other hand, means being answerable for the outcomes of one's actions and the actions of those they lead. A leader must accept the repercussions of their decisions, whether positive or negative, and must be transparent in their actions to those they serve.

Together, responsibility and accountability form the foundation of effective leadership. They signify that authority is not just about having power but also about being answerable for how that power is exercised. This understanding is crucial for maintaining trust and integrity within any organization or team.