If your words and actions as a leader are not aligned, it can erode your credibility and your team's trust, writes Paul Thornton, who highlights common misalignments, such as believing you are a good communicator or open to feedback, while your actions suggest otherwise. "Honestly evaluate where your actions fall short of your intentions. Ask trusted colleagues, mentors, coaches and family members for honest feedback," Thornton recommends.

Put it into practice: We may like to think we encourage risk-taking or are fair and objective, but if we respond harshly to failure or play favorites, our teams n..., Thornton writes. "Before you can align your teams and organizations, you must first align yourself."