I observed a monthly meeting of a senior leadership team. Present were the CEO and COO and their 8 direct reports – all general managers. When it came time to report on deliverables, the bulk of the reports explained why their objectives hadn’t yet been met. As the last excuse was delivered the CEO shot […]
The issue of unsatisfactory accountability seems pervasive across commerce industry and government. I heard a mine manager of a significant mine tell his direct reports, general managers of divisions, “I’m holding you accountable for the delivery of these actions”. The problem was he said it at the end of each of the five consecutive meetings […]
Just saying “I’m holding you accountable for delivering this” does not mean that accountability has been achieved, even if the response is “OK”. I recently sat in on the monthly meetings of an executive team over three months and heard the leader repeatedly say “I’m holding you accountable for our agreements today”. The problem was […]
I listened to the CEO address his senior managers at their annual conference. He painted a picture of new growth and opportunity, sharing his vision for the coming year and how it aligned with the bigger and longer term vision. I watched his managers pay genuine attention to the oration. It was indeed inspiring. The […]
Even though we have other rules such as Money, Market, Process and Measurement , the first rule is this: Hire the Right People for the Right Role the First Time. That also means this: Do Not Fill the Position Unless the Person is the Right Person. The temptation to make a choice based on selectors’ […]
“I am holding you accountable for this to be done on time and as agreed, OK?” said the general manager to her direct report. “Sure” was the reply. At the due date and time the direct report said “I’m sorry but there were too many other interruptions that were of immediate priority. I’ll have it […]
