2 words that are PREVENTING your team from being accountable

In trying to build connection with our team and get them to do something, we often use two fateful words that shoot ourselves in the foot: I NEED. 

Something that is an expectation of a role on your team isn't a need, it's an expectation. It's part of that person's job. By saying "I need," you are asking them to be accountable to you, almost as if they are doing you a favor, as opposed to being accountable to their job. In episode 118 of Managing Made Simple, I talk about how this shows up and what to say instead.

--

WORK WITH LIA:

Want a checklist of things you can do THIS week to become a better manager (and make your job easier)? Check out my Thriving Team Checklist for a list of quick actions you can take right away with your team: liagarvin.com/scorecard

Book your Scale-up strategy call to dive into where you're getting stuck with your team and learn more about how we can work together: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy 

CONNECT WITH LIA:

Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/

Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

Download my FREE guide to making hard conversations with your team easier at liagarvin.com/convo

Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.
Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work.

I transform teams from cost centers to profit centers with practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing EASIER.

Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.com
Contact: liagarvin.com/contact
Email: hello@liagarvin.com

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia.Garvin

--

© 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple