A Note from Ujima Donalson,
POD Director
In the summer issue I mentioned my anticipation of reading Crucial Accountability: Tools for Resolving Violated Expectations, Broken Commitments, and Bad Behavior. I’m happy to report that I kept my commitment! In fact, much of my reading over the past several months has helped me think more deeply about accountability and its significance, and that has prompted a two-part series on the subject here in the Leading Edge. Although accountability may seem like a relatively straightforward topic, creating a culture of accountability is quite complex.
My hope in tackling accountability across two issues is that this will give you time to reflect on this topic and begin sharpening your accountability skills over a number of months. In this issue, my focus is the culture of unaccountability, why we make accountability molehills into mountains, and how leading with integrity is key to creating a culture of accountability. In the winter issue, I’ll explore best practices and mastering accountability.
And that’s just the start! We’re offering quite a substantial issue this fall, and I hope you’ll find one or more articles that speak to you and provide help with any leadership goals or challenges you are facing at the moment. I am so pleased to be able to share the insights of our two esteemed contributors: Kimberly Mishra, the person behind the curtains for everything Whole U, and Renée Hanson, former University Consulting Alliance manager and POD consultant.
I know fall is a tremendously busy time at the UW, but I challenge you to take time for your own development, whether that’s spending a few minutes reading the Leading Edge, a few hours doing much-needed long-term planning, or a few days away at a conference. We never feel as though we can afford the time, but continuing to invest in ourselves is essential to our, and our organization’s, success!
