#Accountability Archives - McGinty Coaching

Finding the Power of Clarity, Focus, and Accountability

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Finding the power of clarity, focus, and accountability can be one of the most important ways to grow as a leader. In today’s fast-paced, opportunity-rich world, professionals are bombarded with competing priorities, endless distractions, and the pressure to do it all. The result? Overwhelm, scattered energy, and stalled progress. But the antidote isn’t more hustle—it’s more clarity. More focus. More accountability.

These three pillars—clarity, focus, and accountability—aren’t just productivity tools. They’re the foundation of intentional leadership and meaningful achievement.

Why Clarity Matters 🔍

Clarity is the compass that keeps you aligned. Without it, even the most ambitious goals can feel vague or unattainable. When you’re clear on what you want—and why it matters—you make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and lead with purpose.

Clarity helps you cut through the noise and identify what truly moves the needle. It transforms “busy” into “strategic.” It’s not just knowing your goals—it’s knowing which goals are worth pursuing.

Focus: The Discipline of Progress 🎯

Focus is where clarity meets execution. It’s the ability to prioritize high-impact activities and resist the pull of distractions. Focus doesn’t mean doing fewer things—it means doing the right things, consistently.

Great leaders maintain momentum by:

Setting clear, measurable goals
Breaking them into actionable steps
Protecting time for deep work and reflection
Saying no to what doesn’t serve their vision

Focus is a skill—and like any skill, it can be strengthened with intention and support.

Accountability: The Catalyst for Achievement 🚀

Accountability is the bridge between intention and impact. It’s what turns good ideas into real results. When you’re accountable, you don’t just set goals—you commit to them. You track progress, learn from setbacks, and celebrate wins.

But accountability isn’t about pressure—it’s about partnership. It’s about having someone in your corner who challenges you, supports you, and helps you stay aligned with your highest aspirations.

How Coaching Elevates All Three 🧠

Coaching is a powerful accelerator for clarity, focus, and accountability. A coach acts as your thought partner—helping you refine your goals, uncover blind spots, and build systems for execution. They ask the right questions, offer strategic insights, and hold space for your growth.

With coaching, you gain:

Clarity: Define what success looks like and align your goals with your values
Focus: Prioritize what matters most and eliminate distractions
Accountability: Stay on track, navigate setbacks, and celebrate progress

Coaching isn’t just about performance—it’s about transformation. It helps you lead with intention, act with confidence, and achieve with purpose.

Your Path, Your Power ✨

In a world full of noise, clarity is your anchor. In a landscape of endless options, focus is your edge. And in the journey from vision to reality, accountability is your fuel.

If you’re ready to move from scattered effort to strategic impact, coaching can help you design a path that’s clear, focused, and deeply fulfilling. Because when you lead with clarity, focus, and accountability, you don’t just achieve more—you become more. Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaching can help get you there!

Unlocking Your Next Level of Leadership

Posted on August 22, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Unlocking your next level of leadership is no small feat – it takes grit, determination, and growth as well as defining the kind of leader you wish to become. Leadership isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about becoming the kind of leader others want to follow. At McGinty Coaching, we believe that true success is built on four foundational pillars: Career & Leadership Growth, Work-Life Balance & Fulfillment, Clarity & Accountability, and Mindset & Resilience. Mastering these areas doesn’t just elevate your career—it transforms your life.

Career & Leadership Growth 🚀

Leadership is more than a title—it’s about influence, clarity, and presence. Great leaders inspire trust, communicate with impact, and navigate complexity with confidence. Whether you’re preparing for your next promotion or leading a high-stakes initiative, coaching helps you sharpen your vision, build executive presence, and lead with purpose. With personalized guidance, you’ll move from good to exceptional, ready for your next big opportunity.

Work-Life Balance & Fulfillment 🌿

Sustainable success means aligning your work with your values and creating space for what matters most. When your career energizes rather than depletes you, fulfillment follows. Coaching helps you set boundaries, manage stress, and design a life that supports both performance and well-being. You’ll reconnect with what drives you—and build habits that protect your energy and passion.

Clarity, Focus & Accountability 🎯

In a world full of distractions and demands, clarity is your superpower. Focus helps you prioritize what matters, and accountability turns intention into achievement. Coaching provides a strategic thought partner who helps you refine your goals, build systems for execution, and stay on track. You’ll learn to welcome accountability—not as pressure, but as fuel for progress.

Mindset & Resilience 💪

Your mindset shapes every outcome. Resilience is your ability to adapt, persist, and thrive through change. Coaching helps you challenge limiting beliefs, cultivate emotional intelligence, and lead with authenticity. You’ll build the confidence to face adversity with courage—and the self-awareness to grow through it.

What’s next?

In future articles, we will unpack each of these pillars in more depth, share why they are critical for growth, and how to build these capabilities. We are also introducing an assessment you can take to discover where you are on your growth journey. Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaching can help you grow as a leader.

Fostering Trust Among Team Members

Posted on July 4, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Fostering trust among team members is one of your most important roles as a leader. Have you ever led a team where there was little to no trust? Did you feel helpless, yet accountable for turning things around? I’ve been there. As a leader, you understand the importance of trust and how easily it can be broken, yet how difficult it is to rebuild. It is the glue that holds great teams together. It’s what allows people to speak up with ideas, admit mistakes, and rely on one another under pressure. Without trust, collaboration turns into competition and innovation stalls. So, how can leaders help build it? One drop at a time.

Start with Transparency

Trust begins with transparency. Leaders can set the tone by openly sharing decisions, goals, and challenges—even when the news isn’t great. When team members see authenticity and vulnerability from the top, they’re more likely to reciprocate. Team members, too, can build credibility by being honest about deadlines, asking for help early, and admitting when they’re uncertain. This kind of candor clears space for real connection and problem-solving.

Create Safe Spaces for Communication

It’s hard to trust people you don’t feel safe with. That’s why psychological safety—the belief that you won’t be punished for speaking up—is foundational. Encourage team norms where every voice counts, and feedback is given constructively, not critically. Consider adding regular “retrospectives” or reflection meetings where people can discuss what’s going well and what could improve, without fear of blame. This helps clear the air and strengthens mutual respect.

Follow Through and Stay Accountable

Reliability is the engine of trust. When teammates consistently do what they say they’ll do, others learn to count on them. That doesn’t mean being perfect—it means communicating proactively and holding yourself accountable. If things slip, own up and reset expectations. When everyone on a team knows they’re rowing in the same direction, trust deepens.

Celebrate Strengths, Understand Weaknesses

Trust is about more than performance—it’s about humanity. Taking time to understand each other’s work styles, strengths, and quirks helps build empathy. Tools like personality profiles or “get-to-know-you” exercises can spark this insight. Equally important: recognize that every team member contributes differently. Celebrating these differences builds appreciation and confidence in each other.

Build Social Bonds

People trust people they know—not just professionally, but personally. Investing time in casual, non-work interactions can pay big dividends. Whether it’s team lunches, virtual coffee chats, or a group playlist everyone adds to, shared experiences create familiarity and rapport. Even small acts of kindness—checking in after a tough meeting, or remembering a teammate’s birthday—go a long way toward building genuine connections.

How do you Repair Trust Once It Has Been Broken?

Repairing trust in a team isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about rebuilding stronger foundations. Here are some ways you can encourage your team members to do that:

Acknowledge the breach
The first step is recognizing that trust has been damaged. Whether it was a missed deadline, a broken promise, or a communication breakdown, naming the issue shows accountability and opens the door to healing.
Apologize sincerely
A genuine apology—without excuses—goes a long way. It signals humility and a willingness to take responsibility. This is especially powerful when it comes from leadership, but it matters at every level.
Understand the impact
Take time to listen to how the breach affected others. This builds empathy and shows that you’re not just focused on moving on, but on making things right.
Outline corrective actions
Trust isn’t rebuilt with words alone. Share what steps you’ll take to prevent the issue from recurring. This might include new communication norms, clearer expectations, or more consistent follow-through.
Invite collaboration
Rebuilding trust is a team effort. Ask others for input on how to move forward. This not only empowers the team but also reinforces that everyone has a role in creating a healthier dynamic.
Be consistent over time
Trust is earned in drops and lost in buckets. Rebuilding it takes time and consistency. Keep showing up, following through, and being transparent—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Trust as a Catalyst

Fostering trust among team members is one of your most important roles as a leader. Trust doesn’t appear overnight. It grows slowly, interaction by interaction, built on empathy, reliability, and a shared sense of purpose. But when it does take root, it becomes a powerful catalyst for creativity, resilience, and true teamwork. Reach out if you want to talk more about strategies to help your team members build, keep, or restore trust.

The Intersection of Kindness and Accountability in Leadership

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

The intersection of kindness and accountability in leadership has become a point of intrigue for me lately. While in a coaching session, this topic came up and it really got me thinking…is it really possible to be 100% kind and 100% in holding others accountable, or is this a zero-sum game? Might this belief about being able to be both kind and drive accountability come down to how we define these terms? Are we misunderstanding kindness; and what is the difference between being nice and being kind? In leadership, kindness and accountability are often viewed as opposing forces – that to be kind is to be lenient, and that accountability requires strictness. I don’t see it that way. I don’t believe that these qualities are mutually exclusive; rather, they complement each other, creating a leadership style that inspires trust, fosters growth, and drives success.

Kindness as a Leadership Strength

Kindness in leadership is often misunderstood as weakness. Yet, I have found kindness to be a powerful tool for team member engagement and increased productivity. Kind leaders foster a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and motivated. They often display empathy and compassion which leads to higher levels of collaboration and innovation. When leaders prioritize kindness, they actively listen to their team members, acknowledge their efforts, and show appreciation. These acts of kindness create psychological safety, a crucial factor in performance and retention. Employees who feel heard and respected are more likely to contribute their best work. Furthermore, kindness encourages open communication, enabling teams to share their concerns and ideas without fear of harsh criticism.

What is the Difference between “Nice” and “Kind”?

As a resident of a state which is known for its “Minnesota Nice”, I got curious about the difference between being “nice” and being “kind”.

Nice is about politeness; Kindness is about intention
- Being nice often means being agreeable, polite, and pleasant in social interactions. It’s about following social norms and making others feel comfortable.
- Being kind goes deeper—it’s about genuinely caring for others and acting in their best interest, even when it’s not easy or convenient.
Nice seeks approval; Kindness seeks impact
- A nice person may avoid conflict or say what others want to hear to maintain harmony.
- A kind person may tell a difficult truth or set boundaries because they genuinely care about someone’s well-being.
Nice is surface level; Kindness is meaningful
- Niceness can sometimes be performative — people may act nice to be liked or to avoid confrontation.
- Kindness is rooted in empathy and selflessness, often requiring effort and sacrifice.

Ultimately, kindness is about genuine care and action, while niceness is about social etiquette and approval. A truly kind person may not always seem nice, but their actions will always be rooted in goodwill.

Accountability: The Backbone of Leadership

While kindness creates an encouraging atmosphere, accountability ensures that expectations are met, and goals are achieved. Leaders who practice accountability set clear objectives, follow through on commitments, and hold themselves and their teams responsible for results. Accountability is not about blame or punishment; rather, it is about ownership and integrity. A workplace without accountability suffers from low standards, missed deadlines, and waning morale. Employees need structure and clarity to perform at their best, and leaders who emphasize accountability provide the necessary framework for efficiency.

The Balance Between Kindness and Accountability

A truly great leader understands the necessity of both kindness and accountability. Too much kindness without accountability can lead to complacency, while excessive accountability without kindness creates fear and resentment. The best leaders strike a balance—leading with empathy while maintaining high standards. Who are some leaders that exemplify this balance?

Satya Nadella (CEO, Microsoft) – known for his empathetic leadership style, which has transformed Microsoft’s culture. He emphasizes a growth mindset, encouraging employees to learn and innovate while holding them accountable for results. His leadership has fostered collaboration and inclusivity, making Microsoft a more dynamic and forward-thinking company. He has had to make some difficult personnel decisions recently, and as a kind leader this can be a hugely emotional challenge. As someone who has experienced, his leadership style, I believe Satya is a great example of this balance.
Jacinda Ardern (Former Prime Minister, New Zealand) – gained global recognition for her compassionate leadership, particularly during crises such as the Christchurch Mosque attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. She led with kindness, ensuring that people felt heard and supported, while also making tough decisions to protect public health and maintain national security.
Alan Mulally (Former CEO, Ford Motor Company) – turned Ford around during the 2008 financial crisis by combining accountability with a supportive leadership approach. He implemented a transparent system where executives had to report challenges openly, fostering trust while ensuring that everyone was responsible for their contributions to the company’s recovery.
Indra Nooyi (Former CEO, PepsiCo) – led PepsiCo with a strong emphasis on both performance and people. She introduced the concept of “Performance with Purpose,” ensuring that the company met financial goals while also prioritizing sustainability and employee well-being. Her leadership style balanced strategic accountability with genuine care for her team.

Implementing Kind and Accountable Leadership

To embody both kindness and accountability, leaders can:

Lead by example – Demonstrate integrity and responsibility in their own actions.
Communicate expectations clearly – Ensure that every team member understands their role and responsibilities.
Provide constructive feedback – Offer guidance in a way that encourages growth rather than fear.
Show appreciation – Recognize achievements and contributions to foster motivation.
Create a culture of trust – Encourage open conversations, transparency, and fairness.

Kindness and Accountability – The Sweet Spot

The intersection of kindness and accountability in leadership can be a sweet spot. Leaders who combine kindness with accountability create environments where employees feel respected and challenged. This dynamic strengthens team cohesion, enhances productivity, and drives long-term success. In today’s evolving workplace, the ability to lead with both heart and discipline is what sets extraordinary leaders apart. Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaches can help leaders find that intersection of kindness and accountability in their leadership style.

Coaches Help Individuals Master Time Management

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Coaches help individuals master time management and improve productivity. Do you have enough time in your day to get everything done that you planned? Do you get interrupted by a text, email, instant message, phone call, people swinging by your desk or office – sometimes all at once? How do you stay focused? What do you decide to delegate, defer, or do in the moment? With numerous tasks competing for attention, finding effective ways to prioritize, manage time, and avoid common pitfalls to productivity can significantly boost personal and professional success and help you with your work-life balance. Coaches play a transformative role in helping individuals master time management and productivity. They provide personalized guidance, accountability, and tools tailored to each client’s unique challenges and goals.

Identifying Individual Challenges

Coaches excel at uncovering the root causes of time management struggles. Through targeted conversations and assessments, they help clients recognize patterns such as procrastination, overcommitment, or ineffective prioritization. This self-awareness is the first step toward meaningful improvement and sidestep these obstacles:

Combat Procrastination: Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Tackling one piece at a time reduces the intimidation factor and keeps momentum.
Limit Multitasking: Juggling multiple tasks can decrease efficiency and increase errors. Focus on one task at a time to maintain quality and speed.
Manage Digital Distractions: Technology can be both a blessing and a curse. Turn off non-essential notifications, set boundaries for social media, and use focus modes on devices to minimize interruptions.
Take Breaks: Overworking can lead to burnout. Incorporate short breaks to recharge your mind and maintain productivity throughout the day.

Creating Customized Strategies

Prioritization is the foundation of effective time management. Without it, you may find yourself overwhelmed or spinning your wheels on unimportant tasks. And, not all time management techniques work for everyone. Coaches work closely with clients to develop strategies that fit their lifestyles, work environments, and personal preferences. Whether it’s incorporating the Eisenhower Matrix, refining SMART goals, or scheduling around peak productivity hours, coaches ensure the approach is practical and achievable.

Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance. This helps you focus on critical tasks while delegating or eliminating less significant ones.
Set SMART Goals: Ensure your objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This clarity helps you prioritize actions that align with your goals.
Identify Peak Productivity Hours: Everyone has periods of high energy during the day. Schedule high-priority tasks during these hours to optimize focus and efficiency.

Teaching Effective Tools and Techniques

Coaches are well-versed in a variety of time management tools and methods. They introduce clients to options such as time-blocking apps, digital planners, or prioritization frameworks. They also demonstrate how to use these tools effectively, ensuring clients can integrate them seamlessly into their routines. Time management goes beyond setting priorities—it’s about organizing your day and creating habits that support productivity. Here are some strategies:

Plan Your Day: Start each morning with a clear plan. Use tools like to-do lists, digital planners, or apps to outline your tasks and allocate time for each.
Embrace Time Blocking: Dedicate specific time slots to particular activities. This method minimizes distractions and keeps your day structured.
Follow the Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, complete it immediately. This prevents small tasks from accumulating and cluttering your to-do list.
Learn to Say No: Avoid overcommitting by respectfully declining requests that don’t align with your priorities. Protecting your time is key to staying on track.

Encouraging a Growth Mindset

A good coach fosters a growth mindset, encouraging clients to view setbacks as opportunities for learning. By focusing on continuous improvement rather than perfection, individuals become more resilient and adaptable in their time management efforts. Improving time management and productivity is a continuous process. Evaluate your strategies regularly and make adjustments as needed. Celebrate progress and view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.

Providing Accountability and Building Confidence

One of the greatest challenges in self-improvement is staying committed to new habits. Coaches serve as accountability partners, regularly checking in with clients to track progress and celebrate successes. This support system motivates individuals to stay on course and adapt strategies as needed. Through their guidance, coaches empower clients to make decisions that align with their values and priorities. This not only improves productivity but also promotes a sense of balance and fulfillment in both personal and professional environments.

Unlock Your Full Potential

Mastering these techniques is not about squeezing every second out of your day but about working smarter, not harder. By prioritizing tasks, managing time effectively, and avoiding productivity pitfalls, you can create a fulfilling and balanced life that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Coaches provide more than just tips—they offer a structured, supportive process that helps individuals take ownership of their time and productivity. Their personalized approach ensures that clients not only learn valuable techniques but also sustain their improvements over the long term. If you’re striving to unlock your full potential, partnering with a coach could be the game-changer you need. Reach out if you want to discuss the ways that coaches help individuals master time management and improve productivity.

Angela Dodd on Leadership, Grit, and Growth

Posted on May 2, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

In this episode of SuccessYourOnWay , Yifat Rogers and I sit down with Angela Dodd, founder of Females in Food. Angela shares her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, including the personal challenges that led her to build a platform dedicated to empowering women in the food and beverage industry. We discuss:

How toxic work environments can spark major life changes
The evolving definition of success over different career stages
Lessons learned from founding Females in Food, including the importance of building a support system and accepting vulnerability
Key strategies for career and personal growth, such as setting boundaries, building confidence, and taking action before feeling “ready”
The power of writing down goals and speaking them out loud for accountability.

Angela also offers practical advice for anyone looking to redefine success on their own terms. She reminds listeners that success looks different for everyone.

Success Your Own Way: “Building Your Own Stage: Angela Dodd on Leadership, Grit, and Growth”

About Angela Dodd

Angela a seasoned leader in the B2B ingredient sector, with 15 years of experience bridging the gap between technical expertise and business strategy. Holding a Master’s in Food Science and an MBA, she has spent the past decade helping clients successfully commercialize food products, leveraging deep industry knowledge to drive innovation and market success. Angela is the founder of Females in Food (FIF), dedicated to empowering women and organizations in the food and beverage industry through leadership development, career advancement, and industry transformation. FIF has become the go-to platform for companies seeking to attract, retain, and elevate top female talent. Based in Minneapolis, Angela enjoys giving back to the industry, championing meaningful change, and spending time with family, friends, and her two boys.

Let me know what you are interested in hearing about in future episodes of Success Your Own Way!

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