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In recent years, more organizations have been emphasizing the value of responsibility or accountability<\/strong>. The concept appears in corporate values, leadership models and discussions around team performance. But what does it really mean in practice? Accountability is not simply about apologizing for our mistakes or taking responsibility for an outcome. It goes deeper than that: it is the conscious choice to stand by our commitments, recognize our role in what happens and act with awareness of the impact we have on others. Without it, even the best intentions often remain just words!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n What you will find in this article:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u00a0 Roger Connors, Tom Smith, and Craig Hickman, in The Oz Principle: Getting Results Through Individual & Organizational Accountability<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>provide the following definition: Accountability<\/em> is the personal choice<\/strong> to go above and beyond what is required and to take personal responsibility<\/strong> for achieving desired results<\/strong>. By introducing the term \u201cpersonal choice,\u201d it becomes clear that accountability is a subjective matter\u2014it depends on how everyone chooses to act. To provide more objective indicators of what constitutes accountable<\/em> behavior versus less or non-accountable behavior, Bruce Gordon offers valuable guidance. In 2007, he developed The Accountability Ladder<\/a>, which distinguishes responsible behaviors from less responsible or non-accountable ones.<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n sketchplanations.accountability-ladder<\/a> \u00a0<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n On the four lower steps, we find non-accountable behaviors, also called victim behaviors<\/em>:<\/p>\r\n Moving up the ladder, we encounter accountable behaviors<\/strong>. From bottom to top:<\/p>\r\n The ladder provides a simple way to distinguish accountable from less accountable behaviors. It gives us markers to observe whether a person -or even ourselves- is being accountable in a specific situation or overall. But what can undermine our accountability? Let\u2019s explore\u2026<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n \u00a0 Accountability is not just a matter of processes, but of culture and behavior. In an environment where a culture of accountability<\/strong><\/a> is fostered, individuals are more likely to stay higher on the accountability ladder. Those in leadership positions carry a greater share of responsibility in cultivating and sustaining this culture. Individuals in leadership positions bear a greater responsibility for fostering and sustaining this culture. As leaders, you can:<\/p>\r\n
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A Definition and a Ladder<\/h2>\r\n
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Factors That Can Lower Us \u201cSteps\u201d<\/h2>\r\n
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Cultivating Accountability<\/h2>\r\n