Category Archives: Accountability

It’s Not a Gamble

Posted on January 25, 2012 by

Greetings from San Jose. I would like to welcome our new subscribers from Sacramento. “I just don’t know if he can do the job,” lamented Morgan. “It always seems to be a throw of the dice.” “Why should it be … Continue reading →

Posted in Accountability, Hiring Talent

Undermining Authority of the Hiring Manager

Posted on January 20, 2012 by

“But I don’t want to undermine the authority of the Hiring Manager,” Rene repeated. “This is not a question of undermining authority. In the end, who will be accountable for the output of the new hire?” I asked. “That would … Continue reading →

Posted in Accountability, Hiring Talent

Lost In Translation

Posted on January 6, 2012 by

From the Ask Tom mailbag – Question: In your Time Span workshop, you talk about the breakdowns in communication that can occur when a manager skips a layer, for example a Stratum IV manager working with a Stratum II supervisor. … Continue reading →

Posted in Accountability, Communication Skills | Tagged ,

It’s Not About Flow and Luck

Posted on January 5, 2012 by

From the Ask Tom mailbag – Question: In your workshop, it was clear, the research you presented supports hierarchy in an organization. I am still not sure I buy that. There is so much talk these days about “tribes” as … Continue reading →

Posted in Accountability | Tagged , , , ,

The Noble Sound of a Bonus

Posted on December 7, 2011 by

“And what else?” I asked. “This is a tough one,” she started. “Our bonus system. I think our bonus system is causing some of the problems.” “How so?” “Well, we wanted to make sure we didn’t get into lawsuits based … Continue reading →

Posted in Accountability, Time Span

So, I Get A Pass?

Posted on December 1, 2011 by

“So, I get a pass based on circumstances outside of my control?” Lisa ventured. “Not so fast,” I replied. “Were there trends you should have examined in guiding your team to the goal? Should you have taken into account, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Accountability

But, We Are Results Based!

Posted on November 30, 2011 by

“But we are a RESULTS-based-performance company,” Lisa pushed back. “Does that mean you get a trophy because your team made goal in spite of your managerial incompetence?” I asked. Then smiled. “Just kidding.” I could see the blood return to … Continue reading →

Posted in Accountability | 1 Comment

Alternate Paths

Posted on November 29, 2011 by

I trust each of you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving, ate way too much dessert and are now fully satiated and ready to get back to work. I am currently working with an online class, its latest focus on the planning … Continue reading →

Posted in Accountability

The Question Behind the Question

Posted on October 24, 2011 by

“You’ve seen my workload,” Rene complained. “I have a ton of management issues I am dealing with. As Vice President of this division, I have a lot on my plate.” “And one of the things on your plate is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Accountability | 3 Comments

Placing Accountability

Posted on October 20, 2011 by

From the Ask Tom Mailbag: Question: I have an IT person, very skilled in technology, but seemingly unable to look beyond next week. He is brilliant at solving network issues, working around this problem and solving that issue. But his … Continue reading →

Posted in Accountability | 4 Comments