"High performers liked to be with high performers. So if you start to train yourself as a manager, as a boss, as a business owner, as an entrepreneur, in holding people accountable, you will notice who doesn't mind that, who kind of thrives around that, and those kind of people attract more people like that." –Gina Cotner In this episode, founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, Gina Cotner shares a practical framework for holding your team accountable without creating tension or fear. She explains why delegation alone is not enough, how accountability builds stronger leaders inside your firm, and how small shifts in communication can dramatically improve follow-through and results. In this episode, you'll learn:

• What to say when deadlines are missed & how to fix the real issue
• The simple question that drives ownership & initiative
• How asking "when" changes your team culture

To learn more about Gina, click here. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Read about her company, Athena Executive Services at this link.

Time Stamps

00:57 – Gina's business growth through rapid expansion & market shifts 13:08 – Why delegation without accountability fails 21:40 – Shifting ownership: "What do you need from me?" 23:36 – The power of asking "when" in every meeting 27:42 – What to do when work is not completed on time 29:14 – The million-dollar question: "What got in the way?" 35:11 – Why caring deeply gives you room to hold people accountable 41:15 – Negotiating deadlines without lowering standards This episode is brought to you by our great friends at BILL!

They're hosting Bookkeeper Appreciation Week from March 30th to April 3rd—dedicated to recognizing the real work you do and giving you tools you can actually use to free up time for more strategic work.

Get ready for 5 days of practical resources delivered straight to your inbox, plus live, CPE-eligible webinars!

Register now at bill.com/successfulbookkeeper! Don't miss it!