How to hold someone accountable who thinks the rules don't apply to them like a leader, not a manager
It’s Tactical Tuesday!
Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week...need Leadership 101 tools? Start here.
(Launched last month!) Introducing the MANAGER vs. LEADER Say THIS, Not THAT Cards for Leaders. 52 leadership language shifts to help you stop managing tasks, and start leading people. 50% off launch special this week. Pre-order them here. Use code LEADER10 for an extra 10% off. OVER 1200 already sold!!
___________________________
The Thought
Did you know…accountability breaks down fastest when standards feel personal instead of shared?
When leaders frame accountability as “you vs. me,” resistance grows.
When they frame it as the standard vs. the behavior, ownership increases.
Leaders don’t protect their authority.
They protect the culture everyone depends on.
Quote:
“Standards only work when they’re bigger than the individual.” – Unknown
___________________________
The Tip
Remember to…
1. Make the standard bigger than the person
A manager says:
“You’re breaking the rules.”
A leader says:
“Our team runs on trust. When this happens, it breaks that trust for everyone.”
Ask:
“Do you see how this affects the team — not just the task?”
When accountability is about the team, not your frustration, it lands differently.
2. Explain the ripple effect of the behavior
Entitlement shrinks when impact becomes visible.
Use facts, not emotion.
Instead of:
“You’re making my job harder.”
Say:
“When you skip the process, others have to clean it up. That costs them time and momentum.”
Then ask:
“How do you think this puts pressure on the rest of the team?”
This builds awareness without blame.
3. Give a choice, not a threat
Managers threaten compliance.
Leaders invite ownership.
Say:
“We can move forward aligned with the standard, or we can take a different approach. Which direction do you want to take?”
Then co-create:
“What’s your plan to stay aligned moving forward?”
You’re not policing behavior.
You’re protecting a culture people can rely on.
___________________________
The Tool
Short Video:
Watch how leaders hold people accountable without power struggles, threats, or resentment.
Learn how to anchor accountability to shared standards, clarify impact, and co-create ownership.
Watch the viral video on TikTok
Watch this video & read the post on LinkedIn
Or watch other CLA videos here: YouTube or Facebook
___________________________
Leadership Question of the week…
Here is the top question this week from our 200+ Leadership Questions (part of our Complete Leader Package. Don’t have these? Get instant access here.
❓What aspect of our team culture excites you the most?
❓How can we keep or even grow that part of our culture?
❓What role do you think you play in maintaining a healthy culture?
___________________________
Activity of the week…
Here is the top activity this week from our 52 Team Meeting Activity Cards. Don’t have these download? Get your physical copy here OR a printable version as part of the Complete Leader Package.
Check out my Team Meeting Activities Playlist here
Want more? Instantly download these ready-to-use tools.
Spark dialogue with your team.
Ignite engagement.
These tools, talk-tracks, tips, activities and questions will make your leadership work easier in 2025!
-> Order your 52 Say THIS, Not THAT Cards w Box. Simple Manager vs. Leader language shifts to start speaking like a leader, not a manager. Pre-order now available for the physical box. Digital version available instantly. Order today and start shifting your language from manager to leader! Limited time launch discount when you order here!
-> Get instant access to the most popular Complete Leader Package - the Ultimate Leader Toolkit with EVERYTHING included. Leaders love having over 200 questions for 1:1s, team meetings, and leadership meetings.
Plus, 52 team meeting activity cards so you’ll never have to plan another activity again! 52 Say THIS, Not THAT cards, 52 Leadership Skills Program, Leader Playbook, and more. Get everything with the Complete Leader Package.
-> Want just the team meeting activity cards in a box? Order them now - ships immediately. Limited available. Order now!
-> New leader? Grab the NEW LEADER Bundle here and get both the Complete Leader Package and Activity Cards Box, plus a bonus program: 52 Leadership Skills to unlock your leadership potential this year. Use IGNITEIT20 for 20% off as a special thank you. Learn more.
Thank you for leading like a coach out there!
-Dwight
P.S. Want to share this Tactical Tuesday newsletter via text, social, or email? Simply copy and paste this link: https://completeleadershipacademy.com/blogs/tactical-tuesday/how-to-hold-someone-accountable-who-thinks-the-rules-dont-apply-to-them-like-a-leader-not-a-manager
How can we support your leadership journey?
Thank you for leading out there and making an impact. We’re here to help when the time comes.
MANAGER vs. LEADER Say THIS, Not THAT Cards for Leaders | COMPLETE NEW LEADER Bundle | COMPLETE LEADER Package | COMPLETE LEADER Activity Cards | Speaking | Develop Your Leaders (Workshops)
Website - TikTok - YouTube - Instagram
