It’s just business, and it is personal.

“It just business; it’s not personal.” Oh really? You can’t have it both ways. Calling it “just business” does not negate ownership of a decision and its impact.

One of the most frequent things I hear from senior leaders is a desire for a stronger sense of accountability and greater ownership from subordinate leaders and other employees. Sounds to me like an expectation that people make it personal.

You want people to feel that their work is an important part of who they are? Do you want people in your business, on your team to be proud of the company and proud of their contributions? That’s personal.

Your leadership actions impact people and that’s personal. I’m the Outsider and that’s what I think.