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…
How would you hold people accountable if you didn’t have authority? Don’t demand what must be given.
Coercion doesn’t produce ownership.
Accountability isn’t the cure for low commitment; it’s an expression of high commitment.
This post shows you how to develop healthy accountability practices.
Personal behavior isn’t private when you’re a leader.
Andy Byron, CEO of the tech firm Astronomer, and Kristin Cabot, its Chief People Officer, were captured in an embrace on a Coldplay “kiss cam” (July 16, 2025).
A cheater in one area often cheats in others.
Infidelity doesn’t stay in the bedroom. It shows up at work.
A leprechaun has given us fits for years.
Recently the dirty trickster hid my wife’s coffee cup. Worse yet, when she puts a mini–Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup on the counter, he steals it when she looks away.
Blame is a beautiful thing.
