Reflections ... Accountability: The Foundation of Trust, Growth, and Impact

As we continue to shape our culture with intention in 2026, we will periodically share reflections from our leadership on the pillars that guide how we work—accountability, candor, transparency, and collaboration. These perspectives offer a window into how our leaders think about culture in action and what it looks like to live these values every day. This month, three leaders share their reflections on accountability — what it means, why it matters, and how it positions us for the future.

Accountability is one of those words that can carry different meanings depending on past experiences. For some, it brings to mind ownership and pride. For others, it may feel tied to blame or uncomfortable conversations. But at its core, accountability is far simpler — and far more powerful — than that.
A consistent theme emerged from our leader’s reflections: accountability is not about perfection. It’s about ownership, clarity, learning, and showing up for one another.

“At its core, accountability is simple: we do what we say we’ll do. When we can’t, we speak up, learn, and improve so we can succeed next time.” 
— Lisset Lopez, Lean Director & Sourcing

Accountability Starts with the Individual

True accountability cannot be forced — it must be chosen. Leaders play an important role by providing clarity, removing obstacles, and modeling ownership, but the real power of accountability shows up when each person takes personal responsibility for their actions and outcomes.

“Accountability isn’t something a leader should have to enforce; it’s something each person chooses to embrace individually.” 
— Lisset Lopez

When individuals hold themselves accountable, teams become stronger. People can rely on one another, communicate earlier, and tackle problems head-on rather than letting issues linger.

“When each person strives to be accountable for themselves, they can then rely on each other’s accountability. Excuses only hinder the improvement process.” 
— Scott Ranaldi, Quality Director

Accountability Builds Trust and Culture

Accountability and trust are inseparable. When commitments are honored — and when mistakes are owned — trust grows. That trust creates an environment where people feel safe to speak up, learn, and improve.

“For me, accountability as a leader means standing fully behind my commitments and the outcomes they produce. It requires the courage to own my mistakes, the humility to listen and learn, and the integrity to invite evaluation of my decisions and actions.” 
— Julie Doyle, Chief Services Officer

This approach doesn’t just benefit leaders — it empowers everyone. Teams excel with greater momentum and success when there is clarity, trust, and alignment.

“When we hold ourselves accountable, expectations are clear, decisions are owned, and teams move forward with confidence and transparency.” 
— Julie Doyle

Learning Over Blame

A healthy accountability culture focuses on learning — not finger-pointing. No matter the outcomes, there are always lessons to be gained.

“Lessons are learned no matter if the outcome of an action is positive or negative.” 
— Scott Ranaldi

Perfection isn’t the goal. Growth is.

“It’s not about being perfect — perfection is a myth. It’s about being honest, taking responsibility, and helping each other improve.” 
— Lisset Lopez

When accountability is approached this way, it becomes a tool for continuous improvement rather than a source of fear.

The Risk of Low Accountability

“Strategy loses impact when accountability is absent. Even strong plans fail without disciplined ownership and follow-through.” 
— Julie Doyle

The real risk goes beyond missed deadlines or metrics. What’s at stake is trust, culture, and our long-term capability as an organization. Without accountability, alignment breaks down, confidence erodes, and progress slows.

Building Toward Our Future

Accountability is not just about today’s results — it shapes who we become.

“For the future, accountability builds resilience and continuous growth. It turns mistakes into learning, strengthens leadership credibility, and creates a culture where improvement is expected and embraced.” 
— Julie Doyle

When we choose accountability — individually and collectively — we create an organization where people show up for one another, learn continuously, and deliver real impact for those we serve.

We exist to empower the people who power life. Part of that empowerment is to develop our people with an ability to give an account, i.e., to be accountable. Thus accountability enables our purpose.

Thank you, Lisset, Scott, and Julie for modeling accountability.

-Jake