Fix What You Break: The Real Test of Leadership

When Aetna missed its financial target, the fallout was costly—and revealing. Instead of deflecting blame, President Mark Bertolini confronted the failure head-on, asking why he hadn’t been fired. The response from CEO Ron Williams became a masterclass in leadership: great executives own the mess and the fix. This article explores the vital leadership principle of accountability, and why empowering others to solve the problems they create isn’t just wise—it’s essential for growth.