Page 276 - Fearless Leadership

Holding Each Other Accountable 263

they had calculated time lost in nonproductive conversations over
the course of a year, which they estimated at over $300,000. Colleen
took accountability and said: “I’ve dropped the ball. I haven’t held
myself accountable and I’ve tolerated this war between Prem and Arty.”
Then Colleen turned to Prem and Arty and said: “I will not choose
between the two of you. I expect you to resolve your differences imme-
diately. I’ll support you in any way possible but be clear: I am hold-
ing you accountable for resolving this conflict and demonstrating
appropriate behavior both in meetings and outside of meetings.”

Lesson Learned. If you are a team leader, you must “walk your talk”
if you expect others to follow the same behavioral standards. As you
build a high performance culture, people will hold you accountable
for higher standards. If you are a team member, you can take action
and hold yourself and others accountable for the agreements of your
committed partnership. It often takes a member of the group to
remind others of their commitment to play big.

DECIDING THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
Being a fearless leader means giving yourself and each other permission
to constructively intervene and hold each other accountable for greatness.
Every time you hold each other accountable, you up the ante and make
it possible for everyone to reach a higher level of success. You must draw
on your inner strength to stand for the success of others while simulta-
neously placing accountability where it belongs.
The simple fact is that we don’t hold people accountable when we don’t
care. The energy you put into someone is in direct proportion to your
depth of caring and partnership. When you hold people accountable for
their behavior and results, you are asking them to be an owner and live
up to their highest capabilities. Your courage to hold others accountable,
confront issues, and be emotionally honest demonstrates your confidence
in their ability.
The very act of being a fearless leader alters the context and redefines
what is possible. When you change your behavior, everything changes:
the dynamic of the relationship, the environment, your partnership with
others, and what you can achieve. You are powerful beyond belief when