Episode Summary
In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver tackles the common challenge of holding people accountable without resorting to micromanagement. He redefines accountability not as a weapon, but as “a promise kept.” Mike emphasizes that true accountability hinges on clarity of expectation and mutual agreement. He provides clear examples to differentiate between effective accountability and the pitfalls of micromanaging, highlighting that the former involves simple clarification when expectations are not met, while the latter is characterized by excessive checking and prompting.
Key Takeaways
- Accountability is simply “a promise kept,” not a tool for punishment or control.
- Clear communication of expectations is fundamental to sound accountability, whether with family, colleagues, or direct reports.
- Micromanagement involves excessive oversight and prompting, whereas true accountability involves clarifying agreed-upon expectations.
Notable Quotes
- “The reality is accountability is just a promise kept.”
- “Really, really sound accountability is making sure you’re clear about the expectation.”
- “Micromanaging is now. You said you were going to be there at 6. Are you sure you’re going to be there at 6? Do you want me to send you a calendar reminder? That’s micromanagement.”
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