6Accountability and Response-Ability

The words in this chapter’s title can either strike fear in the heart or liberate the soul. I suggest that we work on liberation. All too often, accountability and responsibility equate to the general notion of blame or fault. “Who’s responsible for this?” is a question sure to instill fear in most people at any given time. Hearing the words “We’re holding you accountable” can be equally terrifying.

Can you conceive of someone asking, “Who’s responsible for this great success?” with the same vigor with which he or she may ask, “Who’s responsible for this great mess?” Not too readily, would be my guess. Same thing goes for “We’re holding you accountable for these great numbers” versus “We’re holding you accountable ...

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