The real meaning of accountability
What it is and what it is not.
📌 “If results don’t show, should the leader be fired?”
In the workplace, accountability is often misunderstood. It’s thrown around in meetings, performance reviews and embedded in company values. But for many leaders, it sparks anxiety:
“Does being accountable mean I take the fall if things go wrong?”
“Am I responsible for results I can’t fully control?”
These are fair questions. And the answers may surprise you.
❌ What Accountability Is Not
Let’s start by busting a myth:
Accountability is NOT a threat hanging over your head, waiting to be triggered the moment targets are missed. It’s not synonymous with being punished or fired when outcomes don’t go according to plan.
✅ What Accountability Does Mean
Accountability in leadership is about TAKING OWNERSHIP of decisions, actions, and outcomes.
Meaning: Even when results are disappointing, an accountable leader doesn't scramble to protect their ego and assign blame. Instead, they ask:
“What could I have done differently?”
“What did we learn?”
“What’s the next best step?”
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being responsible of the outcomes, regardless of whether they’re favourable or not.
It’s about reflecting, learning, and taking corrective action when things go wrong.
🚨 So… When Might it Lead to Firing?
A leader may be at risk of being fired if they:
Consistently miss results without learning or adapting.
Avoid responsibility or blame others.
Act in ways that are unethical, negligent or toxic.
🎯 Final Thought on Accountability
If you're a leader, know this: being accountable doesn’t mean you're the fall guy. What matters more is how you respond to setbacks. It’s about showing up, stepping up and lifting others up especially when the road gets bumpy. That’s the kind of leadership people follow, trust and remember.
Contributor: Kausern Hieu