Called Forward, Not Called Out

I had six conversations about accountability over the course of two days last week. 

And almost all of them focused on proactive accountability rather than punitive accountability. Think: wanting to take more ownership, build trust, follow through, and demonstrate growth.

I can’t stop thinking about them… or the fact that accountability itself has a bit of a PR problem.

For many people, the word “accountability” immediately conjures images of being called into the principal's office, sitting through a difficult performance review, or getting caught doing something wrong. Accountability feels like something that happens to us when we've failed. Just Google it and you’ll see loads of articles, tips, and research that all mention owning what went wrong. 

But the most successful leaders, teams, and individuals I know see it differently.
They view accountability as a form of commitment. It's a way of honoring their goals, their values, and the promises they make to themselves and others. 

In fact, some of the most accountable people I coach are the very people who seek greater accountability because they understand that growth rarely happens in isolation.

Take one client. She's a department of one and consistently exceeds expectations. She's quick to respond to colleagues' needs and jump in wherever the organization needs support. But when it comes to her own self-imposed deadlines, those priorities are often easier to push until later. (As a department of one myself, I could really relate!) We spent time exploring how she could create greater accountability to herself because her own goals deserve attention, too. 

Another client, an engineer at a large tech company, wanted to improve communication with his manager. Their relationship was strong, but he sensed something was holding him back from being fully candid. Rather than waiting for a problem to emerge, he proactively sought accountability around becoming a stronger communicator.

Then there’s the small business owner who has made remarkable progress towards his goals over the last nine months, but was quick to credit everyone but himself. I invited him to do something uncomfortable: tell three people who had helped hold him accountable along the way about the growth he'd experienced as a leader.

Accountability isn't just about owning mistakes. It's also about owning progress.
None of these conversations were about consequences. They were about intention. That's what accountability looks like at its best.

It's less about asking, "Who's responsible when something goes wrong?" and more about, "Who do I want to become, and how will I make sure I get there?"

The more I think about those six conversations, the more convinced I am that accountability is actually an act of self-respect and leadership.

It's saying: This goal matters. This relationship matters. This commitment matters. And because it matters, I'm willing to pay attention to it and put effort into it.
Not because someone else is watching, but because I am.

So this week, I invite you to consider: Where in your life are you craving more accountability? What might change if you stopped viewing accountability as a consequence, and started viewing it as an investment in the person you're becoming?

If you’re seeking an accountability partner, let’s explore how coaching can help. 

Brain Food

While reflecting on accountability, I devoured The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg this weekend. Through fascinating case studies — from Starbucks to Alcoholics Anonymous to Febreeze — Duhigg explores how habits are formed and, more importantly, how they can be changed. His central concept, the "habit loop" (cue, routine, reward), offers a practical framework for understanding behavior and creating lasting change. 

In the Spotlight

1:1 Coaching

Accountability is one of the biggest reasons people seek coaching. If you're like many leaders I coach, our sessions provide rare, dedicated space to reflect on your specific goals, challenges, and growth. They view coaching as commitment to moving forward. The quesiton is: Are you hoping things will change, or creating the conditions to make it happen?

Real Talk 

Accountability starts with self-awareness. In a recent Q&A with PRSA East Central District, I discuss how greater self-awareness around  common stressors facing PR professionals — including AI, job insecurity, and blurred boundaries — can help us navigate these challenges with intention rather than reaction.

A Mirror, Not a Monitor

✍️ If you've ever tried food journaling, you know something interesting happens: the simple act of paying attention often changes your behavior. The same is true at work. Awareness leads to better choices, and better choices create accountability.

If you're seeking a gentle mirror rather than a monitor, I'm always in your corner. 💪