3 Questions to Unlock the Incredible Power of Accountability
We humans are quick to celebrate our wins but often just as quick to look elsewhere when things go wrong. Yet, the most effective leaders flip this instinct on its head. They understand that accountability, both successes and failures, is the key to growth. By asking yourself three simple but impactful questions, you can unlock the incredible power of accountability and step into leadership with greater clarity, confidence, and strength.
A Life-Changing Introspection
One morning, employees arrived to find an unusual notice posted on their office door: “The person who’s been blocking your growth has passed away. The funeral has been prepared and you’re invited.”
Saddened by the loss of a colleague but intrigued by who could’ve been limiting their rise to greatness, the employees made their way to the funeral.
As each one curiously stepped up to view the open casket, they expressed shock at who they saw. Other than an empty coffin, a mirror lay perched, reflecting their own faces. A note lay beside it, beginning with the words: “The only person capable of limiting your growth is you.”
The question of who had been holding them back was immediately answered. It was a profound lesson in accountability—a reminder that the greatest barrier to progress is often ourselves.
The Foundation of Growth
So, what exactly is accountability?
At its core, accountability is the willingness to accept ownership of your actions and consequences. It’s closely linked to taking responsibility, which centers more on taking actions to express the character of accountability.
Without accountability, our growth is stunted because we avoid confronting our blind spots and in turn miss opportunities for improvement.
Why is taking accountability such a common leadership challenge? Well, there’s a misconception that it’s a means for finding fault and laying blame.
And naturally, our egos resist the discomfort of being wrong. Many leaders have not embraced feedback discussions as a performance management tool to instill a culture of accountability.
But true, accountability isn’t about punishment, it’s about ownership. It shifts focus from fault to solutions, from excuses to growth. When embraced, it becomes one of the most powerful drivers of personal and professional development.
Making Accountability a Personal Strength
A strong sense of accountability can magnify your leadership impact and enhance the effectiveness of all the other development initiatives you take on.
These three questions can help you build accountability into a personal strength:
1 – Where am I now?
Take an honest look at your current reality and ask yourself questions like:
“How do people perceive my leadership? Is my business growing? Am I fulfilled and satisfied with my life?” Don’t be afraid to acknowledge uncomfortable truths.
Honesty, especially when it’s uncomfortable—creates the space for growth.
2 – How did I get here?
This is where accountability takes root. Without judgment, acknowledge how your own choices and actions have shaped your current circumstances.
Maybe you avoided tough feedback, failed to set clear goals, or didn’t respond constructively to setbacks. The more you own your role, the more opportunities you’ll uncover to improve.
3 – What can I do to move forward?
Accountability means action. Identify practical steps and commit to them—whether it’s hiring a coach, improving your communication, or listening more attentively to colleagues. Forward momentum comes from taking responsibility for change.
Coaching Builds Accountability
Taking accountability is critical, but that’s just one side of the coin. As a leader, you must help create a positive workspace where accountability can flourish.
When people are given the freedom to reflect, acknowledge, and rectify mistakes without judgement, they’re more likely to take accountability and develop a sense of self-belief.
Through Leadership Development initiatives, Change Partners can help you cultivate a strong sense of accountability as a leader. This will set you up to identify performance gaps and establish solutions to increase your potential.
And with 1 to 1 Executive Coaching and Group Coaching, we’ll help you build a culture of accountability to ensure your working environment encourages personal ownership and is conducive to high performance.
Remember… When all’s said and done, you are the only person who can transform your life. You are the only person who can ensure your happiness and success.
You are the only person who can help yourself. Accountability will set you free!
Nomase Loqo is an International Executive Coach at Change Partners. She’s passionate about helping leaders embark on profound journeys of transformation and experience self-discovery.
Contact her at nomaseloqo@change.co.za or on 082 737 9244 to help you grow your leadership impact.
