S3 #3: Psychological Safety vs Accountability: What High-Trust Organizations Do Differently with Jonathan Bennett

In this episode C-Suite Advisor, Jonathan Bennett, shares his approach to working with executive leaders, starting with the question "what feels heavy?" to get past surface-level issues. We explore the story of a leader who thought she had a leadership problem when she actually had a business model problem, and discuss why asking "what have you already tried?" prevents you from solving the wrong problem.

Jonathan breaks down the differences between coaching, consulting, and mentoring (something I honestly had never thought about previously) explains the three levels of accountability that exist in healthy organizations, and reveals why the best workplaces have psychological safety AND accountability at every level. We also discuss the origins of strong organizational cultures, the risks of bringing your whole self to work, and why clarity about boundaries creates the healthiest workplace relationships.

Key quotes:

• "What feels heavy right now?" - Jonathan's opening question to get past surface issues
• "What have you already tried?" - The get-out-of-jail-free card question
• "The first presenting problem is probably not the right one"
• "The healthiest organizations - that third level of accountability happens everywhere, all down the organization"
• "You haven't just had to let somebody go. You've taken a part of them away from themselves" - on the risks of employees over-identifying with their workplace

The three levels of accountability:

1. Accountability to yourself - doing what you say you'll do, holding yourself to fair standards
2. Accountability to your team - following through with colleagues, maintaining equity
3. Accountability to the organization - fiduciary duty, caring for the long-term health of the entity

Connect with Jonathan:

• LinkedIn - he responds to DMs!
• Website
• Private Podcast Series: Six coaching sessions you can listen to

Additional note: Jonathan is also a published author of literary fiction and poetry, writing about his childhood in Australia, modern family dynamics, and reflections on fatherhood and life.