The Author xi
Resources, Solutions, and Workshops xiii
Preface: Taking Accountability xv
Chapter 1 Taking Accountability 1
Positively the Best Decision 1
Take Accountability or Blame? The Stakes Are High 5
The Magic of Taking Accountability 6
The Rewards of Taking Accountability 10
Accountability Accelerator 11
Shine the Spotlight on the One and Only 15
An Unexpected and Illuminating Discovery 19
Do They Know the Rules of the Game? 21
Chapter 2 Choices 35
Decisions Determine Destiny 35
Stay the Course—Avoid Drowning “Below the Water” 39
Beware of the Bell 43
Leading Accountability—It Is a Choice, and Everyone’s Job 46
Where Do They Learn Those Things? 49
Words Are Cheap—The Actions We Choose Are What Matters 52
The Enemies: Justifications, Explanations, Reasons, Rationalizations, Vindications, and Excuses 54
Why Did Randy Cross the Road? 56
Chapter 3 Accountability—What Is It? 67
Once Defined, It Flows 67
Are You Fully Recognizing Your Realities? 74
The Eyes Have It 76
Have You Accepted Ownership for Your Realities? 78
Yoda—The Accountability Coach 81
Lessons from Hyrum 83
Solutions Abound 86
The Obvious Next Step 90
Chapter 4 Accountability Transcends 97
Powerful Shift in Perception 97
Cement the Focus 100
The Magical Mindset Shift 103
Lessons from the Marauders 106
Accountability Trumps Responsibility 109
To LAG or to LEAD 111
Chapter 5 The Preeminent Organization 117
Accountability Is the Catalyst 117
Shaping an Accountable Culture 120
Ignite Desired Accountable Behaviors 122
The Power of Genuine Appreciation 127
Culture: How We Do Things Around Here 129
Forging an Accountable Culture: Little Things Matter—A Lot! 131
Are the Experiences in Your Culture Nurturing Accountability? 133
The Relationship Triad: Experiences, Beliefs and Actions 135
You Alone Are Accountable for How You Are Perceived 137
Sustaining an Accountable Culture: Tune-Ups Required 139
Accountability Tip: Do Not Shoulder Their Accountabilities 142
Do Not Dwell on Why: Keep Moving Forward 144
Accountability in Times of Change: Overcome Fear and Denial 146
The Pinnacle: The Accountable Organization 150
Live and Lead Accountably 161
Index 163
