Is accountability a tool for growth or a weapon for blame? In this episode, Kevin is joined by Michael Timms to discuss the true meaning and power of accountability in leadership and how modeling accountability creates a ripple effect throughout an organization. Michael addresses the pitfalls of task-focused leadership and offers guidance on how to empower teams by shifting their attention toward outcomes. He also outlines three habits of personal accountability: 1. Don't Blame, 2. Look in the Mirror, 3. Engineer the Solution.

Listen For

00:00 Introduction 00:49 Live streaming invitation 01:10 Book plug – Flexible Leadership 02:00 Introducing Michael Timms 02:55 Michael joins the show 03:37 Michael’s leadership journey 05:50 Why focus on accountability 08:09 Accountability as blame vs. power 10:11 Definition of accountability 11:02 Accountability and leadership power 13:26 CEOs and accountability problems 14:00 Systems thinking and accountability 15:06 Accountability is about results 18:00 Leaders must focus on outcomes 19:06 Three habits of personal accountability 20:03 Habit 1: Don’t blame 21:24 Habit 2: Look in the mirror 23:08 Ask others for feedback 23:50 Habit 3: Engineer the solution 25:04 Story – deleted file and process fix 26:49 Systems thinking builds trust 27:52 Processes vs. empowerment 30:55 Recap of accountability habits 31:17 What if it really is someone else’s fault? 32:49 Modeling accountability builds trust 34:11 What Michael does for fun 34:50 What Michael is reading 35:41 Where to learn more about Michael 36:18 Closing remarks 

Michael's Story: Michael Timms is the author of How Leaders Can Inspire Accountability. He is a TEDx speaker, leadership development consultant, author, and founder of Avail Leadership. He has empowered thousands of senior leaders to adopt powerful leadership habits and practices that drive measurable improvements in team performance, engagement, and results across organizations. Prior to forming his own consultancy, Michael was a consultant with Deloitte and an HR leader in the construction and manufacturing industries. Michael earned an M.B.A. from Utah State University. When Michael is not helping leaders improve their game, he enjoys spending time with his family and going on challenging outdoor adventures in remote wilderness locations. His most recent adventure was summiting an 18,871 ft (5,752 m) mountain in the Peruvian Andes.

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Flexible Leadership is every leader’s guide to greater success in a world of increasing complexity and chaos. 

Book Recommendations

• How Leaders Can Inspire Accountability: Three Habits That Make or Break Leaders and Elevate Organizational Performance by Michael Timms 
• How Ike Led by Susan Eisenhower

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