Episode Player

Why Accountability Feels Threatening

Returning to Us

Returning to Us
Why Accountability Feels Threatening
Mar 10, 2026 Season 5 Episode 100
Lauren Spigelmyer & Jessica Doering

Lauren begins a new series on maintaining authority without escalation, focusing on why accountability can feel threatening in high-stress or trauma-exposed systems. When teams are already carrying chronic stress, even small moments of correction can activate the nervous system and trigger defensiveness, avoidance, or shutdown.

Rather than avoiding hard conversations, Lauren encourages leaders to understand these reactions as stress responses and approach accountability with clarity and compassion. When done well, accountability reduces ambiguity, strengthens trust, and supports healthier, more sustainable teams.


Sign up for the University of Pennsylvania Behavior Breakthrough Accredited Course

Learn about the Staff Sustainability System a proven system to reduce burnout at the root


Other related resources from Five Ives: 

Blog Post: 

Podcast:

Our Online Programs


Subscribe to our mailing list and find out more about Stress, Trauma, Behavior and the Brain!

If you’re looking for support as you grow your organization’s capacity for caring for staff and the community, we would love to be part of that journey.
 Schedule a free discovery call and let us be your guide

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.