Category Archive: Accountability

An Elegant Accountability Practice for Today

Leaders often ask about ‘holding people accountable’. What they sometimes mean is, “How can I pressure resistance into compliance and still be a nice person?” Accountability increases resistance when it’s coercion wrapped in… Continue reading

7 Ways to Maximize Social Butterflies

People are frustrating.  Accept people for who they are so you can maximize their gifts and minimize their weaknesses. 5 people who drive leaders nuts: Leading social butterflies: Social butterflies relish relationship but… Continue reading

Crisis: 5 Ways to Fuel Progress When the Lights Go Out

Never trivialize crisis with frivolous optimism. Smart people roll their eyes at Pollyanna leaders. Acknowledge bad and work toward good. The danger of crisis is magnetism. Crisis captures your attention, dominates perspectives, and… Continue reading

Why Return to the Office if You Can Do Your Job at Home

Only 10% of the people who can do their jobs at home want to go to the office five days a week. About 50% of the current workforce can do their jobs from… Continue reading

How to Get Useful Feedback from Liars

People lie to leaders. Usually it’s not malicious, but it’s always unhelpful. Team members who aspire to get along or get ahead… Soften criticism. Deflect tough answers. Over-state compliments. Authority corrupts interactions. If… Continue reading

4 Reasons People Take Ownership That are Easy to Identify

“I’m concerned this one is going to fail,” my predecessor said. He set me up for success, except for one looming project. I was stepping into a new leadership role. I sweat bullets… Continue reading