But if you get out there and do your best, you will either win, or you will learn. - Jocko Willink

Accountability is an important tool that leaders must utilize. However, it should not be the primary tool. It must be balanced with other leadership tools, such as making sure people understand the why, empowering subordinates, and trusting they will do the right thing without direct oversight because they fully understand the importance of doing so.

At the board meeting, the VP did just that. He took the blame for the failure to meet the manufacturing objectives and gave a solid no-nonsense list of corrective measures that he would implement to ensure execution. The list started with what he was going to do differently, not about what other people needed to do. Now, the VP was

Nothing breeds arrogance like success — a string of victories on the battlefield or business initiatives. Combat leaders must never forget just how much is at stake: the lives of their troops.