In this episode of Making Sense of Work, Jean Balfour explores the role of accountability in helping us achieve our goals—both in our personal and professional lives. Initially uncertain about the topic, Jean embarked on a journey of discovery, engaging with her LinkedIn and Instagram communities to understand how others view accountability. The results were surprising: the vast majority found it motivating and helpful.

Through personal reflections, expert insights, and practical frameworks, Jean delves into why accountability matters, how it differs from responsibility, and how we can frame it to be a positive force. She also shares tools and techniques, including the Stages of Change model, accountability structures, and the power of small wins to keep us moving forward.

Key Topics Covered:

• Jean’s personal journey from accountability ambivalence to advocacy
• The difference between responsibility and accountability
• How external accountability can be supportive rather than patronizing
• The role of accountability in coaching and leadership
• The Stages of Change model and how it supports accountability
• Tools for self-accountability and supporting others
• The power of small wins in habit formation and personal growth

Resources & References:

• The Conscious Leadership Group: Jim Dethmer on accountability vs. responsibility
• Prochaska and DiClemente’s Stages of Change Model
• Atomic Habits by James Clear – the impact of small, consistent actions

Takeaways & Reflection Questions:

• How do you currently view accountability in your life?
• Are there areas where accountability could support you in achieving your goals?
• What structures or accountability partners could help you stay on track?

Join the Conversation: Jean would love to hear your thoughts on accountability! Share your insights and experiences by reaching out on LinkedIn or Instagram. And if you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it with someone who might benefit.

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Thank you for listening!

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Relational leadership is a transformative concept focusing on building trust and connection within teams, especially crucial in our tech-driven work environments. Leaders are encouraged to foster relationships, create open communication, and support team members to navigate the complexities of modern work effectively.

In this episode, join Jean Balfour as she shares the meaning of being a relational leader.

• Explore the essence of relational leadership
• The vital role of trust and communication in leadership
• Balancing task focus and relational engagement
• Real-world examples illustrating the need for relational practices
• The power of informal connections in building strong workplace relationships

Explore more episodes on Relational Leadership:

• Episode 66: Helen Sanderson on compassionate leadership.
• Episode 44: Mairead McCormack on leading a hospital through COVID.
• Episode 41: Building a Mindset of Servant Leadership with Dr Maria Pressentin.

Join Our Leadership Reset Challenge 2025!

Kickstart the year with our Leadership Reset Challenge and take your leadership skills to the next level: https://baileybalfour.com/leadership-reset-coaching-challenge-2025/

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Interested in training as a coach?
Browse our Level 1 ICF coach certification programme: https://baileybalfour.com/level-1/
Browse our Level 2 ICF coach certification programme: https://baileybalfour.com/level-2/

For more resources: https://baileybalfour.com/resources/

If you'd like to coaching from me: https://baileybalfour.com/coaching-services/

In this inspiring episode, Jean Balfour welcomes Sas Petherick, an internationally renowned coach and expert in healing self-doubt. Sas shares her remarkable journey from a fast-paced corporate career in London to becoming a leading voice in helping people build self-belief.

With over a decade of coaching experience, a master's degree from Oxford, and groundbreaking research published in the International Journal of Coaching and Mentoring, Sas brings unparalleled expertise to the conversation.

Sas's trauma-informed, evidence-based coaching methodology has supported countless women in transforming their professional and personal lives. She's also the host of the Courage and Spice podcast, a top-rated show on self-doubt, with over half a million downloads.

Jean and Sas talks about:

• The impact of self-doubt in work and life.
• How modern workplaces often perpetuate self-doubt and ways to counteract it.
• The journey from self-doubt to self-belief, including the critical role of self-trust, self-worth, and self-acceptance.
• Practical strategies for understanding and overcoming resistance patterns like procrastination and perfectionism.
• How self-doubt can serve as a doorway to deeper self-awareness and growth.

This is a conversation packed with insights for anyone seeking to understand and navigate self-doubt, find fulfillment in work, and embrace a life rooted in self-belief.

Book Recommendation:

• Combining by Nora Bateson – A thought-provoking mix of poetry, art, and change theory that invites readers to think differently and explore the complexity of our world.

Connect with Sas Petherick:

• Website: https://selfbelief.school/
• Podcast: Courage and Spice (available on all major platforms)
• Social Media: Instagram

About Jean Balfour:
Jean is the host of the Making Sense of Work podcast and founder of Bailey Balfour, specialising in leadership coaching and ICF-accredited coach training.

Experience an Introduction to our Coach Training Programmes with our Free Taster Course: https://courses.baileybalfour.com/course/coach-training-introduction

Sign up to our newsletter to receive weekly updates on coaching resources: https://baileybalfour.com/subscribe/

Interested in training as a coach?
Browse our Level 1 ICF coach certification programme: https://baileybalfour.com/level-1/
Browse our Level 2 ICF coach certification programme: https://baileybalfour.com/level-2/

For more resources: https://baileybalfour.com/resources/

If you'd like to coaching from me: https://baileybalfour.com/coaching-services/