Propeller

About the Author

Tanner Corbridge, Jared Jones, Craig Hickman, and Tom Smith are senior partners and leaders at Partners In Leadership, a company renowned for its expertise in organizational development and accountability. They have collectively worked with numerous Fortune 1000 clients, helping to drive large-scale transformations and improve business outcomes through enhanced accountability. Their combined experience and knowledge are distilled in their book Propeller: Accelerating Change by Getting Accountability Right.

Main Idea

Propeller: Accelerating Change by Getting Accountability Right focuses on using accountability as a powerful motivator for achieving exceptional business results. The authors build on the legacy of their previous work, The Oz Principle, to offer a modern take on accountability that emphasizes personal ownership and proactive leadership. The core message is that when individuals take responsibility for their performance and outcomes, they drive positive change and propel their organizations forward.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Power of Accountability
2. Part I: The Oz Principle and Accountability
3. Part II: Steps to Accountability: See It, Own It, Solve It, Do It
4. Part III: Above the Line Leadership
5. Conclusion: Propelling Forward

Introduction: The Power of Accountability

The introduction of Propeller sets the stage by highlighting the importance of accountability in achieving business success. The authors emphasize that accountability is not about punishment but about taking ownership of one's actions and outcomes. This mindset shift empowers individuals to rise above challenges and drive positive results.

The Oz Principle has been a guiding framework for organizations aiming to enhance accountability. By adopting its principles, businesses have learned that accountability is about taking personal ownership of their roles and responsibilities, leading to higher engagement and better performance. Propeller extends this idea, emphasizing that accountability is a proactive stance that individuals must adopt to propel themselves and their organizations toward success.

Part I: The Oz Principle and Accountability

Inspired by the classic story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the Oz Principle asserts that the power to achieve desired results lies within individuals, not in external forces. This principle has guided organizations for over 25 years, helping them understand that accountability involves taking full responsibility for thoughts, feelings, actions, and results.

"Only when you assume full accountability for your thoughts, feelings, actions, and results can you direct your own destiny; otherwise someone or something else will." - The Oz Principle

The authors explain that true accountability requires a shift from a victim mentality to a mindset of ownership. When individuals see themselves as responsible for their circumstances, they are more likely to take proactive steps to improve their situation. This shift is crucial for fostering a culture of accountability within organizations, where every member feels empowered to contribute to the collective success.

Accountability is not about assigning blame but about empowering people to take charge of their actions and outcomes. This empowerment leads to a more engaged workforce, where individuals feel valued and motivated to perform at their best. The Oz Principle encourages a culture where accountability is seen as a positive force that drives improvement and innovation.