The Accountability Paradox and the Power of Psychological Safety (Part 1)

Last week, I led an exercise with key executives at an international company based in San Diego. I asked each participant to take a moment and, in one word, describe how their team members “feel” when they hear the term accountability. I wasn’t looking for a definition but rather variations in connotation. As you might imagine, the feelings they expressed ranged from intimidated to empowered, with most leaning toward the belief that they are playing defense and that it’s a source of getting in trouble. 

These responses prompted me to think more deeply about the accountability paradox and the importance of cultivating psychological safety in our organizations. The accountability paradox refers to the idea that the more you push for accountability, the more you risk damaging it and everything connected to it. In Adeline Maissonet’s 2024 article, “The Accountability Paradox: Why Less Control Yields More Results,” she discusses the difference between holding people accountable and fostering accountability. The former can make people feel like they are playing defense, while the latter indicates they are responsible because you trust in them and believe their contribution matters.

If doubling down on accountability won't get the job done, read Part 1 of my latest article for CEOWORLD magazine to find out what will. https://ceoworld.biz/2025/08/10/the-accountability-paradox-and-the-power-of-psychological-safety-part-1/