Think that accountability is just about the organizational structure–about who reports to whom?

Think again.

Listen to the Podcast

This is a key message of Chris Chittenden, my guest this week on the podcast.

When you look at how work actually gets done, it lives in the conversations between people.

* If you’re upset at someone for not carrying out a promise, consider this: did they make a promise in the first place?

* If somebody asks you to do something, are you aware that a negotiation has just begun–even if that person is your boss?

* Have you ever noticed that the reason breakdowns happen is that others see the world differently from you?

Chris is a master ontological coach based in Australia. I’ve admired his writings for years and enjoyed this opportunity to dig in and ask: what does true accountability look like?

I think you’ll find this interview to have immediate practical impact. Please share with your friends.

Highlights

* 15:30 What’s missing in traditional leadership programs

* 20:00 Accountability is about the interactions between people

* 24:00 What kind of conversation are you in?

* 29:00 Amiel’s confusion in high school about fuzzy promises

* 32:00 The ways we respond to requests–most are unclear!

* 39:30 Making effective offers in the workplace

* 42:30 Why people give feedback

* 46:30 Other people have different interests and interpretations from you!

* 56:00 People send email requests with the assumption they’ve been accepted

* 1:00:00 It’s also about managing risks

* 1:04:00 Four ways you can respond to a request

* 1:07:30 Managing promises is about creating points of choice

* 1:13:30 How to create a proactive day

 

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“People send email requests assuming they’ve been accepted.”

–Chris Chittenden   Tweet this quote

“Promises underpin the relationships we have with others.”

–Chris Chittenden  Tweet this quote

Explore Additional Resources

* Talking About, the home of Chris’s coaching and ontological study

* Fernando Flores

* Newfield Institute

* Jacqui Chaplin

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