Accountability is an act of care and service
“Without accountability there will be no growth.” – Manual Corazzari
What shifts when we see accountability not as punishment but as a pathway to strengthen our work relationships?
Accountability can feel heavy, especially when we associate it with blame, shame or judgment. But when practiced with intention, it becomes something entirely different: an act of care and service.
When we are intentional about holding someone accountable, we convey that we see their potential. We care about their growth. We believe in the value of their contributions.
When we are intentional about showing accountability to ourselves, we convey that people can count on us. We are willing to own our part, learn from it and keep growing.
Accountability, when done well, is deeply relational. When practiced intentionally, it is about a conversation, not a confrontation. It is about partnership, not power. It is about fostering understanding through care and service.
Melissa Raffoni, in her Harvard Business Review article, reminds us that lack of accountability is rarely about laziness or defiance. It’s often rooted in misunderstanding and/or unmet needs.
Here are a few ideas on how we can cultivate accountability in a way that helps people feel understood and strengthens our working relationships.
To foster accountability in others, consider these ideas from Melissa:
Check in with yourself first.
Ask yourself: Have I been clear about my expectations? Have I asked what I can do to help? Have I taken time to brainstorm and/or review processes? Self-awareness is a leadership superpower.Co-create clarity.
Invite mutual understanding of expectations, timelines, and what success looks like. Alignment is a shared responsibility.Create a safe space for real conversations.
Accountability grows where curiosity, not judgment, leads. When people feel understood, they’re more likely to engage and follow through.Track and revisit progress.
Consistency is kindness. Use simple systems like check-ins, metrics, and clear documentation to reflect, realign, and move forward together.
To practice personal accountability, consider:
Owning your role and your ripple.
Acknowledge both your contributions and your impact, positive or not.Asking for what you need.
Accountability includes acknowledging and sharing about the support, resources, or clarity required to do your best work.Demonstrating consistency by following through.
Being accountable builds credibility. When words match actions, we signal reliability, a key ingredient of trust.
Accountability isn’t about calling someone out, it’s about calling them in. Done well, it becomes a relational bridge that strengthens our team and our work.
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