Why Your Leadership Style Might Be Killing Accountability — And How to Fix It Fast!

Are you a leader who measures success by how busy your team is? If so, you might be unintentionally killing accountability. Roger Connors and Tom Smith’s Culture of Accountability reveals that true accountability is not about activity but ownership of results.

Many leaders fall into the trap of creating a 'culture of activity' — where employees are focused on completing tasks and checking boxes rather than driving meaningful outcomes. This leads to disengagement, low morale, and stagnant performance.

Accountability, however, is a skill that can be developed. It involves seeing reality clearly, owning responsibility, solving problems proactively, and doing whatever it takes to achieve results.

To shift your leadership style, start by providing focused feedback that connects behaviors to results and beliefs. Encourage your team to ask, 'What else can I do?' and recognize those who demonstrate accountable behaviors publicly.

This behavioral shift transforms culture from passive compliance to proactive ownership, energizing your organization and unlocking its full potential.

Sources: Christina All Day accountability leadership books, Forbes change management leadership skills, Amazon accountability culture leadership 1 3 4