Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 34
 A spotlight on not so common common sense November 20, 2009
John Moberg (Mpls, MN USA)
An indispensable resource to foster positive change in any group of people. You'll notice over half of this book on accountability focuses on properly setting expectations. The key to happiness on both sides; management and staff.
 Good, but not revolutionary November 8, 2009
J. Schulte (Bay Area, CA)
How Did That Happen provides a framework for setting expectations and then holding people accountable. The first half focuses on four stages of goal setting:
- FORM goals (Frame them, make them Obtainable, make them easy to Repeat, and make them Measurable)
- Communicate (explain the Why behind the goals to win the hearts and minds, not just the hands and feet)
- Align (getting agreement with stakeholders)
- Inspect (check in by Listening, Observing, measuring Objectively, and therefore Know how things are going)
The second half looks at breakdowns and helps people explore why a commitment has not been met. Four causes include:
- Motivation issues
- Skills
- Corporate culture
- Personal accountability
For new managers or others new to the topic, this would be a an accessible introduction and framework. If you've ready any other book on a related topic, such as Crucial Confrontations or even The One Minute Manager among others, or you've been exposed to SMART goals, I don't think you'll find much that is very knew other than some insightful stories, and acronyms that provide mnemonic keys to help with the process.
There simply is no magic to accountability. Clearly established expectations, realistic plans for action, and then honest assessments with positive and negative consequences are the backbone for any process of accountability.
If you've never read a book on the topic before, start with this one. If you have, then you'll maybe pick up a few tips, but I don't think this will revolutionize the way you work.
Positive Results Through Personal Accountability October 7, 2009
Larry Underwood (Scottsdale, AZ)
Roger Conners & Tom Smith have compiled an exceptional action plan for anyone trying to incorporate "accountability" into their personal lives or business lives. Any successful organization relies on accountability in achieving specific, shared goals. In the scenario Conners & Smith portray, this in an organization devoid of finger-pointing, confusion, and low morale. With everyone on the same page, there's no need for any of the typical "corporation games" we've all grown to despise.
The cynic may suggest this cannot possibly work in the real world. Nonsense. This isn't merely theoretical; it's a very real and wonderfully pragmatic strategy that is designed to work in any size organization, anywhere in the world.
This book is designed to eliminate the question so many beleagured employees have asked when things go wrong: "How did that happen?" Instead, they'll be marvelling at the organization's ability to "make things happen".
Accountability; it really works.
OUTSTANDING October 1, 2009
Lisa A. Oconnor (Boston, MA)
An excellent leadership book. Clear and concise, with concrete recommendations for improving leadership accoutability.
I highly recommend it.
A logical step from the prior 2 writings by these authors.
Have your team read this book! September 24, 2009
Richard H. Corder (Boston, MA)
Partners in Leadership have done it again - reading this book is a pleasure. Its practical, common sense advice and guidance - that is written about in a way that is enjoyable to read. I spent most of the read wondering "why on earth didn't I come up with this???". They eloquently and expeditiously cut through some of the fluff that is often associated with these types of books, and get to a sensible approch to change. You can't argue with this stuff - you can resist it but you're not resiting the logic or the methodology - you're resisting the fact taht it starts with each of us. Buy this book - thanks again to Mr. Connors and Mr. Smith. KUDOS
Showing reviews 1-5 of 34
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