In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Michael Timms—TEDx speaker, leadership consultant, and author of How Leaders Can Inspire Accountability. This conversation is a part of our ongoing exploration into the habits that drive not just productivity, but the kind of leadership that inspires lasting impact.

Michael unpacks how accountability is often misunderstood and misused—weaponized as blame rather than cultivated as ownership. We explore what it means to truly support people to be accountable, the distinction between leadership and management, and the systems thinking leaders must embrace to avoid finger-pointing and foster real results.

Six Discussion Points

Why “holding people accountable” is the wrong approach—and what to say instead
The critical distinction between leadership and management
How self-awareness and humility form the foundation of great leadership
What journaling, feedback, and asking for advice all have in common
The three habits of inspiring accountability—and why they work in harmony
Systems thinking: how leaders can engineer solutions that prevent future issues

Three Connection Points

This conversation with Michael was a powerful reminder that the best leaders don’t point fingers—they build frameworks. If you're looking to lead with more clarity, humility, and purpose, I highly recommend picking up his book and watching his TEDx talk. True accountability isn’t about control—it’s about connection.

Triumph of the Heart: out now on DVD