The Wisdom of Oz

About the Author

Roger Connors and Tom Smith are renowned for their expertise in accountability and leadership. They co-founded Partners In Leadership, a globally recognized firm that focuses on accountability training and culture change within organizations. With decades of experience, they have become leading voices in promoting the importance of personal and organizational accountability. Connors and Smith have also co-authored several New York Times best-selling books, including The Oz Principle, How Did That Happen?, and Change the Culture, Change the Game. Their work has been instrumental in shaping the way individuals and businesses approach challenges and achieve success.

In The Wisdom of Oz, Connors and Smith present their insights on personal accountability through a unique and engaging narrative. They draw inspiration from the classic story of The Wizard of Oz, using its characters and themes to illustrate the principles of taking responsibility for one's actions and outcomes. Their writing is accessible and practical, making complex ideas easy to understand and apply. Connors and Smith's approach empowers readers to take control of their lives, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals by embracing personal accountability.

Main Idea

The core message of The Wisdom of Oz is that personal accountability is the key to success in every aspect of life. Connors and Smith argue that individuals have the power to shape their destinies by taking ownership of their actions and the results they produce. They introduce the concept of "Above The Line" thinking, which represents a proactive and positive mindset. This contrasts with "Below The Line" thinking, characterized by blame, excuses, and a victim mentality.

The authors outline four essential Steps To Accountability: See It, Own It, Solve It, and Do It. These steps provide a clear framework for individuals to recognize their roles in their situations, take responsibility, find solutions, and take action. Connors and Smith emphasize that accountability is not about assigning blame but rather about empowering oneself to make positive changes and achieve desired outcomes.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Power of Personal Accountability
2. If I Only Had a...
3. Get Off the Couch!
4. There Are No Wizards!
5. Making the Choice
6. The Steps To Accountability
7. The Cowardly Lion: Mustering the Courage to See It
8. The Tin Man: Finding the Heart to Own It
9. The Scarecrow: Obtaining the Wisdom to Solve It
10. Dorothy: Exercising the Means to Do It
11. Life is Always Better Above The Line
12. The Gravitational Pull Below The Line
13. Doing What You Say You Will Do
14. You've Always Had the Power...
15. The Air is Better Above The Line
16. Put It to the Test
17. A Word of Warning
18. Keep Stepping!

Analyzing and Explaining Each Idea

Introduction: The Power of Personal Accountability

Connors and Smith start by emphasizing the transformative power of personal accountability. They argue that this concept is crucial for anyone who wants to achieve meaningful success. According to the authors, personal accountability allows individuals to take control of their lives by taking responsibility for their actions and the outcomes they produce. This empowerment leads to greater resilience, confidence, and capability.

They also introduce the notion that accountability should be viewed positively. Instead of seeing it as a burden or something imposed by others, accountability should be embraced as a personal commitment to oneself. This shift in perspective is essential for unlocking the full potential of personal accountability. The authors state, "You unleash the real power of personal accountability when accountability becomes something you do to yourself voluntarily to ensure success, not something you're forced to do to account for failure." This redefinition sets the stage for the rest of the book, encouraging readers to adopt a proactive approach to their lives.

If I Only Had a...

The title of this chapter refers to the famous line from The Wizard of Oz, where each character expresses a desire for something they believe they lack. Connors and Smith use this metaphor to explore the common human tendency to look for external solutions to internal challenges. They argue that true fulfillment and success come from within, through personal accountability and self-reliance.

The authors explain that many people spend their lives waiting for external factors—like promotions, opportunities, or support—to change their circumstances. However, they emphasize that these changes often come from taking ownership of one's situation and making proactive choices. By taking responsibility for their actions and attitudes, individuals can achieve the results they desire. This chapter sets the tone for the rest of the book, encouraging readers to shift their focus from external factors to internal empowerment.

Get Off the Couch!

In this chapter, Connors and Smith highlight the importance of taking action. They share the inspiring story of Yeah Samake, a mayor in Mali, who took a courageous stand during a political crisis. Faced with a challenging situation, Samake chose to take action rather than wait for others to solve the problem. His wife's simple but powerful words, "Get out there and go do something," exemplify the essence of this chapter.

The authors emphasize that action is a critical component of personal accountability. They argue that waiting for external forces to change one's situation is ineffective and often leads to disappointment. Instead, individuals must take the initiative to address their challenges and pursue their goals. This proactive approach is central to achieving success and overcoming obstacles.