Accountability is an agreement you own. It’s not a conversation you dread.
Accountability starts before the work begins. Don’t wait for failure. Prevent it.
Energize people with clarity, challenge, and support. Don’t beat them down after they screw up.
Accountability without consequences is wishful thinking.
Consequences mean decisions matter.
Don’t hold people accountable for what they hope to do. Hold them accountable for what they agree to do.
Support helps people carry responsibility. Rescue takes responsibility from them.
Accountability fails when leaders monitor tasks and neglect people.
Tasks matter.
The goal is to elevate performance while nudging people toward their potential.
Commitment precedes accountability.
Responsibilities can be assigned. Ownership can’t be forced.
Accountability is done with people, not to people.
End Destructive Accountability!
Everyone knows what happens when you don’t brush your teeth. But some don’t do it.
Wise leaders act with the future in mind. Foolish leaders wait for toothaches. They…
Postpone the difficult conversation.
Ignore declining performance.
Tolerate destructive behavior.
Delay developing people.
Pain motivates fools. Wisdom acts before it hurts.
Here’s how…
Don’t confuse accountability with intimidation. Pressure produces compliance, not commitment.
Accountability is drawing out the best in others.
Don’t pressure people. Call them into ownership.
My Sociology prof gave bluebook essay exams. I was convinced he didn’t read them. To test my theory, I filled two bluebooks with gobbledygook. Most of it wasn’t even real words.
I got an A.
Here’s what I learned…
