Uncommon Accountability

Own your choices and discover the true meaning of accountability

The implementation of true, organization-wide accountability has the potential to transform your firm’s—and your personal—performance. Unfortunately, the word “accountability” often has negative connotations, including blame, fear, and conflict.

In Uncommon Accountability, best-selling authors and leadership strategists Brian Moran and Michael Lennington compellingly argue for a positive and affirming conception of accountability—one that stands for personal ownership of one’s goals, actions, and progress.

The authors show you how to harness the power of accountability, with all of its built-in potential to enable growth and learning, improve well-being, reduce stress, and drive results. You’ll also learn to:

• Manage negative consequences by “holding others capable” and stop playing the blame game
• Shift your thinking to take real advantage of simple behavior changes that improve results and engagement
• Emphasize the power and importance of personal choice in every interaction

Containing real-world case studies that show you how to apply the principles contained within to your own circumstances, Uncommon Accountability is the perfect tool to unlock the potential of your team members.

Chapter 1 Accountability as Ownership 1

Your Choices Determine Your Life 9

Chapter 2 The Victim Mindset 19

The Power of Mindset 21

It’s All About Your Thinking 22

The Victim Mindset 25

Flawed Thinking 26

Reinforcing the Victim Mindset 33

Chapter 3 The Accountable Mindset 39

What If? 49

Accountable Relationships 52

Chapter 4 Holding Ourselves Accountable 57

Intentions: Let Your Yes Be Yes 60

Move Out of Your Comfort Zone 63

Health 69

Career 70

Finances 73

Relationships 77

Chapter 5 Limits to Healthy Accountability 81

Being Accountable in an Unaccountable World 87

Chapter 6 Accountability Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Means 91

A Better Way 97

A Culture of Capability 99

Chapter 7 The Consequences Method 103

How to Apply Consequences 110

Chapter 8 Capable Leadership 117

Consequences Exist in Every System 122

The Power of High Expectations and Standards 124

Taking Ownership of the Standards 127

The Accountable Mindset 128

Chapter 9 Holding the Team Capable 131

Critical Structures 141

Chapter 10 Casting an Accountable Shadow 147

Chapter 11 Putting It All Together 157

Introduction 159

What Is Ownership, and How Do You Recognize It? 161

Putting It All Together – Individual 164

Putting It All Together – Leader 175

Conclusion 182

About The Authors 185

Additional Books from the Authors 189

Index 191

BRIAN P. MORAN is Founder and CEO of The Execution Company, an organization committed to improving the performance and enhancing the quality of life for leaders and entrepreneurs. He is a leading expert on execution and implementation.

MICHAEL LENNINGTON is Vice President of The Execution Company and an expert in implementing lasting change in organizations. He is a consultant, coach, and leadership trainer.

New York Times bestselling authors Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington’s first book The 12 Week Year transformed the way organizations plan and execute. And now they’ve done it again.

In Uncommon Accountability, Brian and Michael deliver a thought-provoking and eye-opening exploration of what it means to be truly accountable, to oneself and to others. They make a powerful case that “accountability” means the personal ownership of one’s goals, actions, and progress.

The authors demonstrate how to harness the power of accountability—with its built-in potential to enable growth and learning, improve well-being, reduce stress, and drive results—by guiding readers through the process of taking personal ownership and changing their circumstances.

The book shows leaders how to stop managing by negative consequence through “holding others accountable”—in the negative sense of that phrase—and, instead, “hold others capable.” It clarifies and proves that personal choice exists in all interactions and situations and shows readers how to shift from a mindset of “I have to” to “I chose to.”

From the shift in thinking necessary to take true advantage of the concepts of accountability and ownership, to the behavior changes leaders need to make to unlock the potential of true accountability, the authors discuss essential strategies and techniques for improving results and engagement at any organization.

Based upon decades of work with thousands of clients, they provide proven guidance to actually apply the concepts in the book for yourself and for those you lead. Uncommon Accountability is an indispensable resource for managers, executives, and other business leaders seeking to reveal the true capabilities of their followers, colleagues, and coworkers.

OWN YOUR CHOICES AND UNLOCK THE TRUE POTENTIAL OF ACCOUNTABILITY

Personal accountability is the bedrock upon which all sustained success in life is built. Yet, what if nearly everything we have been taught about accountability is wrong? What if the prevailing notions of “Holding Someone Accountable,” and being “Held Accountable” are impossible, and instead of driving accountability, actually undermine it?

The way you think about accountability affects every aspect of your life. And the way you understand it may be keeping you from accomplishing what you are capable of. Accountability isn’t about the use of force, it’s about freedom. The freedom to choose your actions. The freedom to pursue what matters most to you in life.

In Uncommon Accountability, New York Times bestselling authors Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington present a fresh perspective that has been vetted with thousands of individuals and organizations over nearly two decades. Whether you are an individual looking to better your career, increase your income or improve your relationships, or a leader trying to inspire your team to accomplish what they are capable of, this book will show you how to powerfully shift your view of accountability and dramatically improve your results, and your life.