No More Excuses

About the Author

Sam Silverstein is the founder and CEO of Sam Silverstein Enterprises, Inc., a think tank dedicated to helping companies create an organizational culture that prioritizes and inspires accountability. He is a sought-after speaker and the author of several books including Non-Negotiable and Making Accountable Decisions. An internationally recognized consultant, coach, and business advisor, Silverstein’s client list includes organizations like AFLAC, Lucent Technologies, the National Association of Home Builders, Prudential Insurance Company, and the United States Postal Service.

Main Idea

No More Excuses: The Five Accountabilities for Personal and Organizational Growth by Sam Silverstein introduces a framework for achieving personal and organizational growth through accountability. Silverstein challenges individuals and organizations to close the gap between where they are and where they could be by embracing the Five Accountabilities: doing the right things, managing your space, managing the process, establishing the right expectations, and contributing to your relationships. By applying these principles, individuals can design and live an excuse-free life, fostering growth and success in all areas.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The 1st Accountability: Doing the Right Things
3. The 2nd Accountability: Managing Your Space
4. The 3rd Accountability: Managing the Process
5. The 4th Accountability: Establishing the Right Expectations
6. The 5th Accountability: Contributing to Your Relationships

Introduction

In No More Excuses, Sam Silverstein posits that accountability is a competitive choice and not merely a slogan. It is about closing the gap between our current state and our potential by embracing five critical accountabilities. Silverstein illustrates how these accountabilities can lead to personal and organizational growth through real-life examples and insights from highly accountable individuals, including corporate CEOs, politicians, professional athletes, and educators.

The 1st Accountability: Doing the Right Things

Being accountable for doing the right things means executing activities ethically and consistently to support your goals. Strategic intent is a driving goal or passion that you are motivated to pursue at the level of excellence. Silverstein emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with strategic intent and being relentless in pursuing goals that matter most.

"If my life depended on the next action I took, how differently would I perform that action?" - Ronnie Muhl, quoted by Sam Silverstein

Doing the right things involves a deep understanding of one's strategic intent, which is the core purpose or goal that drives an individual. For instance, John Hannah, a former NFL offensive lineman, focused on becoming the best in his position. He achieved this by studying game films extensively and refining his techniques to perfection.