--- title: "BEx 2019 : Building an Accountability Culture - Results" description: Responsibility is taking ownership for doing an assigned task.  Accountability is taking ownership for the outcome or goal.  image: https://blog.unleashresults.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Christy-Image1.jpg --- [![](https://blog.unleashresults.com/hubfs/results-white.png) ![](https://blog.unleashresults.com/hubfs/Results_logo_transparent-retinap.png)](https://unleashresults.com/) - Calgary [1-403-234-0999](tel:+14032340999) - Edmonton [1-780-784-1047](tel:+17807841047) - Vancouver [1-236-521-1954](tel:+12365211954) - [About](https://unleashresults.com/about/) - [Team](https://unleashresults.com/about/#team) - [Community Involvement](https://unleashresults.com/community-involvement/) - [Join the Team](https://unleashresults.com/careers/) - [Book Jeff Tetz to Speak](https://unleashresults.com/jefftetz/) - [Results Execution System (RES)](https://unleashresults.com/services/) - [Execution Disciplines Program](https://unleashresults.com/services/execution-disciplines-program/) - 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[Blog](https://blog.unleashresults.com) - BEx 2019 : Building an Accountability Culture Table of Contents At BEx 2019, [Christy Benoit](https://unleashresults.com/christy-benoit/) lead an impactful session titled, “Building an Accountability Culture”.  It was very well attended, an indication of just how important this topic is to business leaders today.  Christy made a very clear distinction between a*ccountability and responsibility.*  Responsibility is taking ownership for doing the tasks associated with some function or project.  Accountability, in contrast, is taking ownership for the outcome or goal.  Accountable people and organizations tend to be more committed and creative when facing obstacles, and it is less common to hear excuses like, “I sent that email”, or “I followed the steps”.  In addition to helping participants self-assess their own organizations, Christy provided a list of the most common obstacles to accountability and suggested possible solutions to each one as follows:  **Obstacles to Accountability**  *Obstacle #1: I don’t understand the goal*  Possible Solutions: - Clear Purpose & Vision  - Core Values  - Ground Rules - Role Scorecards with KPI’s - SMART Goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timeline) - Execution Plans (documented) - Meeting Rhythms   *Obstacle #2: I don’t understand how to achieve the goal * Possible Solutions:  - Onboarding Process  - Training & Development Plans  - Performance Reviews - Regular Feedback - Written Processes for Key Business Activities *Obstacle #3: Nobody’s Keeping Score*  Possible Solutions:  - Metrics & Key Performance Indicators  - Make it Visible  *Obstacle #4: I’m not being held accountable by teammates or leadership * Possible Solutions:  - Zero Tolerance of Mediocrity  - Rewards & Recognition  - Real-Time Constructive Feedback  - Crucial Conversations  - Peer-to-Peer Accountability In all these situations, leaders must model the way.  In the words of Peter Drucker, “You can’t manage others if you can’t manage yourself”.  If a leader does not demonstrate a high level of accountability, chances are very low that employees and the organization itself will be highly accountable.  For you and your organization, consider:  - Which of the 4 obstacles does my team fall down on most?    - What is the ONE most important action I can take to begin to remove this obstacle for my team?   ![Tim O’Connor](https://blog.unleashresults.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/8733a19cec54ebd69d587a2d522e7591-Nov-03-2021-12-06-13-88-AM.jpeg?width=80&height=80&name=8733a19cec54ebd69d587a2d522e7591-Nov-03-2021-12-06-13-88-AM.jpeg) ### [Tim O’Connor](https://unleashresults.com/author/timoconnor/)     - Share this article - - - [Sign Up Now for Upcoming Events](https://resources.unleashresults.com/leadership-development-events) ##### Sign Up For Our Newsletter - [Popular](https://blog.unleashresults.com/2019-building-an-accountability-culture#sidebar-popular-posts) - [Recent](https://blog.unleashresults.com/2019-building-an-accountability-culture#sidebar-recent-posts) [Why Does Change Management Fail (And What To Do About It) July, 20 2026](https://blog.unleashresults.com/why-change-management-fails) [The Results’ Four Cs of Extraordinary Teams Framework June, 21 2026](https://blog.unleashresults.com/the-results-four-cs-of-extraordinary-teams) [Climbing the Accountability Ladder May, 15 2026](https://blog.unleashresults.com/climbing-the-accountability-ladder) [How Emotionally Strong Leaders Handle Difficult People April, 20 2026](https://blog.unleashresults.com/how-emotionally-strong-leaders-handle-difficult-people-results) [Business Execution Summit 2026 Brings Leaders to Kananaskis March, 12 2026](https://blog.unleashresults.com/business-execution-summit-2026) [Climbing the Accountability Ladder May, 15 2026](https://blog.unleashresults.com/climbing-the-accountability-ladder) [The Results’ Four Cs of Extraordinary Teams Framework June, 21 2026](https://blog.unleashresults.com/the-results-four-cs-of-extraordinary-teams) [The Role of Leaders in Driving Innovation and Change July, 3 2024](https://blog.unleashresults.com/the-role-of-leaders-in-driving-innovation-and-change) [The Best Leadership Conferences in 2026 | Results January, 1 2026](https://blog.unleashresults.com/top-leadership-conferences) [Why Do Family Businesses Fail? 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