From Drama to Accountability: A Modern Rewrite for Senior Leaders

“I thought I was leading,” she said. “Turns out, I was just managing drama and avoiding anything that felt remotely uncomfortable.” Then  she paused, took a breath, and asked the one question that changed the room: “What part of this do you own?” 

Tension stayed. Drama left.

Accountability Is Not a Punishment: It’s the highest form of trust.

Let’s be clear: Accountability isn’t blame, it’s belief. It’s what happens when you trust someone enough to grow. I trust you to take ownership. I’m here to support you, not swoop in with a cape and color-coded spreadsheet. And when you do the same for yourself, your team follows.

Here’s how these empowered roles show up in leadership:

• Coach: Believes others are capable. Ask better questions instead of giving all the answers.  Instead of “Let me handle that.” try: “What’s your plan to move this forward?

• Challenger: Sets clear expectations and invites ownership, with compassion.
  Instead of “Why are they always behind? Ask: “What support or clarity is missing for them to succeed?

• Creator: Focuses on outcomes, not obstacles. Look for influences, not excuses.
  Instead of “It’s always like this,” Ask: “What can I impact here?”

Be honest, when was the last time you:

• Rescued someone instead of coaching them?

• Blamed someone instead of challenging them?

• Checked out instead of stepping in as a Creator?

What role could you have shifted into and what might have happened if you had? What habit, mindset, or pause would support that shift next time?

Your turn. What patterns are you noticing in your leadership style? Where are you stuck in drama - and where are you ready to lead differently? You don’t need a new framework. Just a better question - and maybe a Post-it that says: “Don’t rescue. Don’t rant. Just lead.”