Kerry Patterson et al.

Crucial Accountability

1. IDEA 1

   Accountability conversations are hard

   Patterson and his co-authors focus on conversations about broken promises, missed expectations and bad behaviour. They argue that handling these well improves relationships and results. They give practical steps for each stage.

2. IDEA 2

   Work on yourself first

   The authors suggest examining your own story about the other person before speaking. Assuming the worst can make you angry, so they encourage considering why a reasonable person might act this way.

3. IDEA 3

   Choose the right problem

   The authors describe choosing whether to discuss the content of one incident, a pattern of incidents or the relationship itself. Addressing the wrong level can leave the real problem unsolved.

All 8 ideas from Crucial Accountability →