Page 260 - Fearless Leadership

Chapter

10

Holding Each Other

Accountable

In the right key, one can say anything, in the wrong key, nothing.
The only delicate part is the establishment of the key.
—GEORGE BERNARD SHAW (1856–1950)

EOs and executives often ask us “We have a leader in jeopardy. Can
Cthis leader be salvaged?” With rare exception, the answer is yes. Given
the right tools and environment, leaders can transform their behavior and
sustain this change over time. What is required is the willingness of the
leader in question to honestly confront his or her blind spots and take
100% accountability for business results and his or her impact on people.
The leader must learn new skills for how to engage with others. But equally
as important, the work environment must support the practices of com-
mitted partners: standing for the success of each other, honoring and ful-
filling commitments, talking straight responsibly, aligning emotionally and
intellectually, and holding each other accountable.
Leaders are often frustrated when their message about behavior does
not get through, and the same undesirable behavior continues. Simply
telling an individual that he or she needs to “get on board” or work more
effectively with others is pointless. Let’s go back to basics: words alone do
not alter behavior. They click in at an intellectual level, and while peo-
ple may understand the logic of what you are saying, they will not recog-

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