How Great Leaders Create Urgency On Their Team
December 17, 2025
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Although you might have the skills and discipline to perform at a high level, staying consistent in those behaviors can be a struggle. This inconsistency can lead to outcomes that don’t match your potential, leaving you wondering why your efforts aren’t translating into sustained success and what you can do to maintain your best behaviors.
On a recent drive from Charlotte to Greensboro, I got a firsthand reminder about the power of accountability. I was lost in thought, not paying attention to how fast I was going. It was enjoyable, but it wasn’t safe. Through a break in the trees, a police officer sat waiting quietly. Instantly, my foot and the foot of the driver beside me slammed on our brakes. Thankfully, neither of us got pulled over, but in that moment, just the potential consequence of accountability realigned my behavior.
Not only is this proof of the importance of accountability, but it also shows that behavior is temporary. Said differently, behaviors are perishable; accountability is the preservative.
Behaviors are perishable; accountability is the preservative.
Great leaders recognize that winning behaviors need accountability to stay fresh and effective. Without it, even the best intentions and actions fade away. Which is why there is a direct link between behavior and accountability. However, certain people are more receptive to accountability and require it at different levels.
Here’s a simple model to determine how receptive you (or those you lead) are to accountability.
Level 1: Resistant
Level 2: Dependent
Level 3: Responsive
Level 4: Inviting
Level 5: Ownership
Understanding the 5 Levels of Accountability gives you clarity. But knowing how to move from one level to the next is where growth begins. Accountability is a skill, one that can be developed through intention, structure, and support. It’s also important to remember that accountability isn’t a punishment; It’s an accelerator.
Accountability isn’t a punishment; It’s an accelerator.
If you want to move up levels, start by identifying where you currently fall on the scale. Then, apply the following:
If you’re Resistant, begin by accepting feedback without defensiveness and allowing others to check in on your commitments.
If you’re Dependent, structure your environment with external reminders and deadlines to increase follow-through.
If you’re Responsive, commit to weekly check-ins or coaching sessions where your progress is discussed.
If you’re Inviting, share your goals and accountability structures openly, and encourage others to do the same.
If you’re aiming for Ownership, set non-negotiable personal standards and practice holding yourself accountable with zero external input.
Progress isn’t linear, and setbacks will happen. But leaders who intentionally rise through these levels set themselves apart, and they inspire others to do the same.
If you want accountability to thrive in your team or organization, it starts with how you model it yourself. People don’t rise to the level of your expectations, they rise to the level of your example. When leaders demonstrate a commitment to accountability, it creates a ripple effect.
Start by setting clear standards and expectations, then follow through with consistent feedback and recognition. Because of all the highest performing leaders we have studied and coached i’ts clear the best leaders use accountability to elevate others. They do by creating a culture where accountability isn’t feared, but valued as a tool for growth.
Invite your team into the process, ask for permission to hold them to high standards, and remind them why it matters. Accountability isn’t about control, it’s about belief in someone’s ability to improve and succeed.
Accountability isn’t just about holding the line, it’s about raising the bar. Whether you’re leading a team or leading yourself, the presence of meaningful accountability can be the difference between a temporary effort and lasting excellence.
The more you lean into it, the more it lifts everyone around you.
Accelerate Leadership Blueprint: The Accelerate Leadership Blueprint is built around the six key fundamentals of Accelerating Leadership: Talent, Culture, Execution, Relationships, Coaching, and Accountability. Inside, you’ll get six principles and six practical tools to help you lead yourself and others with clarity. It’s a cheat code to align your team and improve performance in less than 10 minutes. Get the full blueprint for just $17. Download it here.
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About the Author: John Eades is the CEO of LearnLoft and The Sales Infrastructure. He was named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices. John is also the author of Building the Best: 8 Proven Leadership Principles to Elevate Others to Success. You can follow him on Instagram @johngeades.
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