Friday, April 11, 2025

The Power of Accountability: The Antidote to Ego

We should embrace every challenge as a chance to learn and improve

By Elysia Reichert, Representative

Workplaces thrive on collaboration, problem-solving, and growth. But too often, ego gets in the way. Ego is that voice saying, “This isn’t my fault/responsibility,” or “Why should I change?” Ego blinds us to opportunities and makes challenges seem bigger than they are.

A few years ago, I read (or rather listened) to the book No Ego: How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Workplace Drama, End Entitlement, and Drive Big Results, where Cy Wakeman emphasizes accountability as the key to overcoming this mindset. She outlines how accountability means taking ownership, contributing to solutions, and growing from every experience. Shifting my mindset has improved both my performance and how I feel about work.

Ego makes us defensive, puts us in a victim mentality, and makes us quick to assign blame instead of focusing on action. I’ve fallen into this trap, and I’ve noticed how this wastes my energy. Letting go of ego helped me focus on what I can control.

The Power of Accountability

As a mom of three young boys, I witness the power of accountability on a daily basis. When chaos erupts at home, usually over the same toy that both my twins suddenly need, it’s easy for my kids to fall into the blame game. “He took it!” “No, he did! It’s mine!” Sound familiar?

But something amazing (rarely) happens when one of them pauses and owns their part: “I took the toy.” That simple moment of accountability can instantly defuse the situation. It opens the door to problem-solving, and more often than not, they’re back to playing peacefully within minutes, like the fight never happened.

It’s a small reminder that ownership is powerful. And the same principle applies at work.

Accountability isn’t about taking blame; it’s about taking ownership. Instead of asking, “Why isn’t someone fixing this?” ask, “What can I do to help?”

For example, when a project didn’t go as planned, I have to remember to not blame unclear instructions and instead ask myself, did I ask enough questions and what could I have done differently? This mindset shift helps me grow and avoid the same mistakes in the future.

Just as importantly, accountability also gives you the freedom to let go of the things you can’t control. When you focus on your own actions and choices, it becomes easier to release the frustration that comes from trying to manage everything and everyone. It’s empowering, and incredibly freeing.

5 Ways to Practice Accountability

Focus on reality. Instead of wishing things were different, ask yourself, what’s one thing I can do to improve this?
Own your impact. Reflect on your role in situations and how you can contribute to better outcomes.
Be open to feedback. Instead of getting defensive, try to see feedback as a growth opportunity.
Shift from complaints to contributions. If communication is unclear, summarize key points or share notes after meetings.
Celebrate accountability in others. Acknowledging coworkers who take initiative fosters a culture of ownership.

I admire leaders who take personal responsibility for being understood—not just for speaking clearly, but for making sure their message truly lands. One leader I have long respected has a simple but powerful habit. After explaining something, he pauses and asks, “Does that make sense?” or “What are your thoughts?”

That small moment creates space for questions, clarity, and shared accountability. It signals that communication is a two-way street and that understanding, not just delivering information, is the goal.

Not everyone feels comfortable speaking up in a group, especially introverts, junior team members, or those who are still finding their voice. By inviting questions both in group settings and one-on-one, they value all perspectives and understand that effective communication includes making space for everyone to engage in ways that work for them.

What stands out most is that these leaders don’t pass blame when miscommunication happens. Instead, they own their part and ask themselves, how could I have explained that better? It sets a tone of humility and openness that makes me want to do the same. I find myself listening more carefully, asking better questions, and making sure I understand them in return.

Practicing accountability speeds up projects, improves conversations, and reduces stress. It also builds trust. When people see me owning my actions, they do the same, creating a ripple effect.

Accountability isn’t just about getting things done; it’s about personal growth. Every challenge is a chance to learn and improve. By focusing on what I can control, work feels more meaningful and less stressful.

The Power of Accountability: The Antidote to Ego

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