I’ve just returned from a fascinating week working with a client’s leadership team, and I want to share an insight that completely changed how they think about accountability. It all started when their CEO said something that made everyone in the room uncomfortable: “I don’t know who’s actually responsible for our biggest strategic initiative.”
This was a successful $200M medical device company, but their leadership team had fallen into what I call “collective responsibility” – which usually means no one is actually responsible. Sound familiar?
During our strategy session, we discovered they had 12 people “involved” in their digital transformation initiative, but when pressed, no one could name the single person who would be held accountable if it failed. No wonder it was moving at glacial speed.
Theory
The RACI matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) is a classic tool, but most teams don’t use it correctly. They assign multiple people as “Accountable” or confuse “Responsible” with “Accountable.” The rule is simple: Only ONE person can be Accountable for any deliverable or decision. That person’s job is on the line if it doesn’t get done well and on time.
My thoughts
What struck me most about this team was how relieved everyone looked once we clarified who was accountable for what. The person we designated as accountable for the digital transformation actually said, “Thank goodness – now I know it’s my job to make this happen.” Clarity eliminates the exhausting dance of unclear ownership.
I was reminded that accountability isn’t about blame – it’s about empowerment. When someone knows they’re truly accountable, they can make decisions, ask for resources, and drive results without constantly checking with everyone else.
How to:
- Use the “single point of ownership” rule: For every major initiative, name ONE person who owns the outcome. If you can’t, you’re not ready to start.
- Use this simple accountability statement: “If [specific outcome] doesn’t happen by [specific date], [specific person] will be held accountable.” Fill in those blanks for your current projects.
Call to action!
Look at your current strategic initiatives. Can you name the single accountable person for each one? If not, you’ve just found your next leadership team agenda item.
Let’s get crystal clear on who’s driving what!
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Eli Sharp.
