Stop Holding People Accountable – Start Gaining Commitment
We need to talk about accountability. Or more accurately, the lack of it.
If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “We’ve got to start holding people to account,” or hearing similar frustrations echoed around your workplace, then chances are, you’re not alone.
Many organisations struggle with accountability—and the consequences are serious. Missed deadlines, unmet targets, strained relationships, and a culture of blame all stem from a simple but critical issue: people not delivering on their commitments. The longer it goes on, the more dysfunctional and demoralising it becomes.
But here’s the twist: your problem isn’t really accountability.
It’s commitment.
Tip: Build Accountability the Right Way
Most people view accountability as something that kicks in after things go wrong. That’s a reactive mindset—and it’s one that leaves leaders constantly chasing results, fielding excuses, and untangling blame. By the time you’re “holding someone to account,” it’s already too late.
True accountability starts before the work begins.
Instead of forcing accountability on people, invite them into a conversation of clarity and ownership. Here’s what that looks like:
What is the task?
When will it be done?
What does success look like?
Get clear answers, and—this part is key—get them to say it out loud. Let them tell you their commitment. Then make a note of it and follow up when the deadline arrives.
Because the commitment came from them, your check-in becomes natural, not confrontational. And more importantly, it shifts responsibility back to where it belongs: with the person doing the work.
The Cultural Shift
This small but powerful change transforms your organisation’s culture. You move from chasing accountability to creating ownership. Teams become more engaged, communication improves, and trust builds—because people know what’s expected and take responsibility for outcomes.
Accountability isn’t about pressure—it’s about clarity, commitment, and follow-through. Start with commitment, and accountability will take care of itself.
Great question—and a great coaching opportunity. If someone still doesn’t follow through, even after making a clear commitment, it reveals a deeper issue worth addressing. Contact us for practical tips on how to coach through those moments.
When you focus on gaining agreement and setting commitments from the outset, you’ll see a dramatic shift. Your teams will stop playing the blame game and start stepping up. That’s when the magic happens—when responsibility is owned, not assigned. It’s a wonderful transition to witness.
Want to know more about our Leadership Development Solutions including our Accountability Workshop? Contact us today:
📞 0412 490 250
team@teamfocusplus.com
Let’s empower your leaders to create clarity, drive commitment, and build a culture of accountability.
