Accountability is foundational to world class performance in any realm. It means taking a position of ownership for all of the events and actions. Things don’t just happen by accident or at random. Looking at our involvement, no matter how small it might appear to be, as essential to the outcome, is the only way to look at events which puts us all in the position of ownership.

An accountable person accepts circumstances and asks, “Now what? What am I going to do?” It is not the same as responsibility. Responsibility is something that can be delegated or assigned. Accountability only occurs by choice. Being accountable is owning the consequences. Accountability is being in control: not controlling, but consciously choosing moves to effect the outcome.