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.