“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” — Amy Poehler"
Surrounding yourself with the right people is key to growth, but ensuring accountability is where real progress happens. It also requires accountability and an intimate understanding of the tasks at hand. Vusi Thembkwayo, a renowned entrepreneur and thought leader, offers a pragmatic perspective: “To be dangerous enough means knowing each and every single thing about your business to know when someone is bullshitting you.
This quote recently came to life while working on a project with someone, I noticed a recurring pattern: deadlines were consistently missed, and excuses seemed to pile up. At first, I let the excuses slide. Things happen, right? Maybe I wasn’t flexible enough. But as time went on, it became clear that this wasn’t about circumstances beyond control; it was about accountability—or rather, the lack of it.
It made me understand how crucial accountability is. When you know the details of what’s happening in your business or project, it’s much easier to tell when someone’s not pulling their weight. Sure, life happens, and sometimes things don’t go according to plan. But when work isn’t getting done, you have to ask: Is it external circumstances, or is it just excuses?
I decided to confront the situation head-on. Instead of just expecting things to improve magically, I asked, “Am I leading you well enough to accomplish this goal?” It was an awkward conversation, no doubt. But it opened my eyes to something: maybe I hadn’t laid out the steps enough in the first place. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: being a leader isn't just about keeping the big picture in mind. It's also about ensuring that everyone on your team knows what's expected of them and holding them accountable. By addressing the situation directly, I was able to remind my team that missed deadlines don't just delay one person's work, they hold up the entire project.
Becoming "Dangerous Enough"
Vusi's advice isn’t just about having the right knowledge—it’s about experience. Through working with different people, patterns become easier to recognize, and instincts for detecting when something is amiss become sharper. Over time, navigating tricky situations and leading with confidence comes more naturally.
Leadership as a Mirror
Reflecting on that moment when I asked, “Am I helping you enough?” really forced me to think. Had I been too hands-off? Maybe I didn’t set clear enough expectations? That self-reflection was key in figuring out what I needed to change.
Leadership Means Being in the Trenches
And let’s be honest: leadership, or even just managing a project, isn’t glamorous. It’s not about calling the shots from above; it’s about rolling up your sleeves and working through the challenges with your team. Whether someone’s hitting their goals or struggling, the real test is how you handle those friction points.
There’s no shortcut here. Growth happens in those messy, uncomfortable moments—when you’re forced to face hard truths about yourself and the process. And when you push through, you realize those tough conversations and frustrating delays are just part of the journey, preparing you for what’s next.
So, as we keep working, let’s focus on fostering accountability and encouraging open conversations. That’s where the magic happens—when we’re all pushing each other to be our best selves and move forward together. Remember, every missed deadline and challenging conversation is not just a setback; it's a lesson, paving the way for future growth. Embrace the journey, and let’s see where it takes us together!
Gemiene Mueni is a PR & Communications consultant and the founder of Click'd Age Consultancy (CAC_PR) in Kenya. She is passionate about helping remarkable brands tell their stories through media. Her expertise spans Public Relations, Branding, and Communication Services, making her a trusted partner for businesses and individuals seeking to connect with their audiences.
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