The Art of Accountability Starts with YOU by Christine Jones, SVP of Human Resources

Accountability isn’t just a corporate buzzword - it’s the backbone of getting things done personally and professionally. It’s about owning your actions, taking responsibility, and understanding the impact of what you do. But here’s the catch: accountability only works if you follow through. Otherwise, it’s just another empty word.  

Many people think accountability means pointing fingers or taking the blame when things go wrong. It’s actually much more empowering. It’s about admitting mistakes, facing uncomfortable truths, and being willing to say, “Yeah, that’s on me,” even when it stings. It’s the same lesson we learned as kids, with higher stakes. 

Accountability can take shape in various ways and is critical in leadership roles. Here are some examples: 

Personal Accountability  
On a personal level, accountability is being self-aware and honest with yourself. It’s about showing up, owning your choices, and realizing what you do affects those around you. No one is perfect and being accountable doesn’t mean you’ll never make mistakes. It means you’re willing to learn from them. This kind of honesty with yourself sets the tone for everything else. 

Professional Accountability  
At work, accountability isn’t just about doing your job; it’s about knowing why your role matters to others. When you understand how your work fits into the bigger picture, you see the importance of meeting deadlines, maintaining quality, and owning the outcome - good or bad. It’s easier to step up when you understand how your efforts contribute to the team or company’s success. Knowing why you're doing something adds purpose to even the most mundane tasks.  

Leadership and Accountability  
For leaders, accountability starts at the top. Want a team that takes ownership? Show them how it’s done - admit your own shortfalls, be transparent, and communicate clearly. Accountability isn’t just about defining tasks and giving direction - it includes open dialogue about the decision-making process and priorities. Leaders need to engage in tough conversations and lean into complex situations, tackling them head-on, with empathy and honesty. Candor is key, and no one grows from sugar-coating. Open, honest conversations build trust and push everyone, leaders included, to improve. It’s not about being harsh; it’s about being genuine and authentic. 

So, you’re a leader who wants to focus on accountability in 2025? Being accountable doesn’t require a big, audacious shift in the way you operate, and it doesn’t start and end with setting expectations. Leaders need to stay engaged, check in regularly and offer support where it’s needed. Holding people accountable doesn’t mean breathing down their necks, it means being there to help when needed and ensuring everyone is pulling their weight. It’s following up, being consistent and open to continuous improvement. 

The Power of Accountability   
At the end of the day, accountability is about taking responsibility, not just for your work but also for the outcomes. Holding someone accountable isn’t about blame - it’s helping them grow, providing support, and setting clear expectations. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s where the magic happens.  
The whole organization thrives when everyone, from the CEO to the intern, embraces accountability. It fosters effort, honesty, and continuous improvement. When done right, accountability drives real, positive change, creating a culture where responsibility is shared, and goals are met.   

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