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Accountability and Integrity in Action
Hello again, and welcome to June.
So far this year, we’ve looked at competencies that shape how we think, feel, and relate…
- Emotional Intelligence
- Communication
- Strategic Thinking
- Decision Making
- Adaptability and Resilience
Each of those skills supports good leadership. But this month, we’re shifting into something that doesn’t always feel like a skill. It feels more like a standard.
Let’s talk about Accountability and how it reveals something deeper about your leadership: your Integrity.
The Work Gets Done—But How?
Every leader has responsibilities. You manage projects. You drive goals. You report up and deliver results. That’s not new.
But accountability isn’t just about the work getting done. It’s about how it gets done, who owns it, and how you respond when things go sideways.
Being accountable means you:
- Set clear expectations—and follow through.
- Hold others to commitments—and hold yourself even tighter.
- Don’t play the blame game—even when it’s tempting.
- Acknowledge mistakes—and repair what needs fixing.
- Measure success—not only in numbers, but in growth, ownership, and trust.
It’s easy to nod along with that list. But I want to poke a bit:
- How often do you find yourself adjusting the goal to match what got delivered?
- Or picking up slack instead of having a hard conversation?
- Or accepting a win that wasn’t fully earned?
That’s why accountability, when practiced well, always brings us back to integrity - the inner line we won’t cross, even when no one’s looking.
Challenge:
Sometimes it feels easier to “just fix it” than to hold someone accountable. Or to adjust the goal rather than have the hard conversation. That’s human.
But beware: When we trade clarity for comfort, we chip away at trust.
Holding others accountable isn’t about being harsh - it’s about being clear, consistent, and committed to shared success.
Self Reflection:
Ask yourself,
“Where have I lowered the standard to avoid conflict or to be liked?”
It’s a tough question. But it’s the kind that moves us forward.
Integrity means choosing what’s right over what’s easy, even when no one’s watching.
Hack:
Not sure how to hold someone accountable without damaging the relationship?
Try this: Start with ownership. Say, “Here’s what I expected, and here’s what I observed. Let’s talk about how we can close that gap.”
Keep the focus on clarity, not blame. And always follow through.
And if it’s yourself you need to hold accountable? Write it down. Say it out loud. Own it first—then act.
When to Consider Hiring a Coach:
If you're noticing recurring patterns, missed deadlines, unspoken tensions, or frustration when things fall through the cracks, a coach can help you get underneath it.
Together, you can:
- Clarify expectations
- Identify gaps in follow-through
- Build habits that reinforce consistency and trust
Accountability starts with self-awareness. A coach can help you build it.
Action Steps:
This week:
- Name one place where you need to raise the standard.
- Make the conversation or the decision you’ve been avoiding.
- Reflect on how it feels to choose clarity even when it’s uncomfortable.
That’s leadership. That’s integrity.
I Believe In You
You don’t have to be perfect to be accountable. You just have to be real.
I believe in your willingness to lead with both honesty and courage and to model the kind of integrity that inspires others to rise.
Join the Conversation
Let’s continue this discussion on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear your insights, experiences, and successes (or stumbles) as you strengthen your Emotional Intelligence.
Please Spread the Word
We’d love for you to refer Tuesday’s to other leaders in your network. Please share this post and encourage your colleagues to subscribe.
Here’s to a month of clear, impactful communication together!