Does Extreme Ownership mean people aren’t held accountable? Short answer: No. As Cordell Bennigson posits, accountability is a critical tool in a leader's toolbox—but it’s not the primary one. Leaders must first look inward and take responsibility. They hold themselves accountable for how they may have contributed to the problem. Extreme Ownership starts with self-accountability. That's where leadership begins.
As a Leader, you should hold yourself to high standards. I had Chiefs who led from the front, great leaders. I also have had the not so good ones, and have met even worse. Fear the ones who constantly have to pat themselves on the back. They often reward mediocrity as well. Real leaders are humble, they demonstrate leadership every day with their actions.
If you start with holding yourself to high standards, holding others to high standards will fall into place!
Guiding new managers to become human-centered, results-driven leaders | Senior Leader in Technology Alliances | 20+ years of shaping great leaders
2dThis self-accountability sets a tone for the culture of ownership in the team. My experience has been that the team will follow this lead; not standing by and watching the boss take the fall, but raising their hands to take responsibility for their part.