Accountability Without the Drama

How SMART goals can save your team—and your friendships.

You can pick your friends—and sometimes, you have to manage them too.

I recently tried organizing a class reunion with my old college buddies. What started as a fun idea quickly turned into missed deadlines, unanswered emails, and total radio silence in the group chat. Sound familiar?

After venting to my wife, she said, “Why don’t you treat them like your coaching clients? You know how to lead with accountability.”

She had a point.

A lot of managers—especially those promoted from within—struggle to hold their former peers accountable. Some go too soft. Others go too hard. But firm and fair leadership is a skill, not a personality trait.

Start by setting SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. It brings structure, clarity, and shared ownership. It also opens up space for progress check-ins and collaborative problem-solving—without micromanaging.

Whether you're leading a mining crew, a construction project, or just trying to wrangle your old college friends—accountability matters. And yes, we did book the venue… eventually.

#Leadership #mining #construction #manufacturing #HR