Escaping the Action Trap: A New Model for Leadership Results

Escaping the Action Trap: A New Model for Leadership Results

From People and Strategy by SHRM

March 6, 2026 · 26 min · Season 2 · Episode 17

About this episode

Jessica Kriegel discusses how surrendering can reshape leadership and accountability.

In this episode of People + Strategy, we sit down with Jessica Kriegel, chief strategy officer at Culture Partners and author of Surrender to Lead. Drawing on her life’s deeply personal turning points, Kriegel reflects on how learning to surrender reshaped her approach to leadership, accountability, and organizational change. Through candid stories, she challenges traditional assumptions about transparency and examines why many leaders fall into the “action trap,” mistaking activity for progress. Kriegel makes the case that modern leadership is about shifting beliefs and creating the conditions for people to choose accountability, adapt to change, and perform at their best. Subscribe to People + Strategy podcast to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/nq47pr --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

People in this episode

Guest: Jessica Kriegel

Topics covered

  • leadership
  • organizational change
  • accountability
  • transparency
  • action trap

Keywords

  • leadership
  • accountability
  • organizational change
  • transparency
  • action trap

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Culture Partners

Books & works: Surrender to Lead

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