I have lost my cell phone again.

The first time was years ago.  I left it in a taxi in Newark, New Jersey.  Well, I didn't exactly leave it there.  It slipped out of my pocket, and when I reached for it hours later I realized what had happened.  After that I made sure that I always put the phone in my purse or brief case when traveling.

This time I had it with me in the car going on a weekend trip.  I had it in the Bed and Breakfast and used it to direct the rest of our party through some unfortunate road closures and construction.  I did not take it with me the next day because I was not carrying a purse and others in the party had their phones.  It would have been just one more thing for me to think about and keep track of.

As we packed up to come home, I did a cursory check of belongings and was confident the phone was somewhere in my luggage with sweaters and socks from the day before.

Once home I sorted through purse and backpack and duffle bag - no phone.  I tried calling my number and listening for a ringtone.  Nothing.  I searched the floor of the car and found stale french fries and a quarter. 

Sorting back through my ever-more failing memory, I recalled placing it on a table in our suite.  I also remembered bumping into that table once on my way out the door. I contacted the proprietor of the Inn and yes, she was able to find it behind the table and under the curtain - shoved there by the vacuum during the cleaning process.  It is in the mail to me even as we speak.

What's the leadership lesson?  Taking responsibility for your resources.  Never assuming that you have all you need to accomplish your task.  Resisting the urge to blame others.  I could go on.

Who do you point to when you can't get your work done?
What valuable tools and resources do you take for granted?
How can you improve your skill at keeping track of what's important?