You ever play a team sport where one guy didn't show up for practice, never passed the ball and still shouted we got this. Yeah, that's not accountability, that's noise. Welcome to message 363 of the growth instigators hotline, where we ignite your personal and professional development. I'm Aaron Havens, your host and growth coach. Winning Leadership Wednesday creating a culture of accountability. Here's the one big idea I want to land today.

Accountability isn't about blame. It's about alignment. When people think of accountability, they usually picture a stern meeting or a spreadsheet or someone getting called out, but great leadership cultures know the truth. Real accountability is about shared ownership and shared momentum. Let me give you a quick picture. Imagine a rowboat with eight paddlers and only five actually paddling, the other three looking around, checking their texts, checking the weather, maybe giving feedback, guess what? The boat spins in circles, but when everyone owns their paddle, the direction gets clear and the forward motion straight up magic. I want to spend my life applying energy to what matters to me and I want to spend my life with people and have people in my circles doing the same. Don't play small. Do not and challenge those around you that might be playing small.

Accountability isn't about micromanagement. It's about clarity and commitment and follow through, and it starts at the top. If you're the leader, your tone sets the pace. You don't have to be perfect, but you do have to model ownership. Every time you say, oh man, that's on me, you create permission for others to do the same. You don't build a culture of accountability with fear. You build it with trust and consistency. So here's the question when in your leadership circle does accountability feel unclear, and what conversation needs to happen next? I'm here for you If your team is spinning in blame and burnout or unclear expectations. I help leaders establish cultures of high trust and clear ownership. Visit growthinstigatorscom or shoot me a text and let's chat about how I can help. I'd love to hear from you After the beep. Leave me a message, let me know your thoughts on this. Talk about a time someone helped you grow with accountability and, as always, keep instigating growth in all you do.