Thoughts on Accountability During Change

Dock providing a stable edge over calm water, with trees lining the far shore. Photograph by Charissa Simmons

Accountability is easy to talk about when things are stable. It becomes more complicated when the ground is shifting, expectations are changing, and clarity arrives in pieces instead of all at once.

During periods of uncertainty, leaders often hesitate to hold their teams accountable. The intent is usually good: a desire not to add pressure or overwhelm people who are already carrying a lot. But over time, that hesitation can quietly erode consistency. Behaviors that would normally be addressed are allowed to linger, and expectations begin to blur.

In my experience, accountability during change isn’t about tightening control or demanding more. It’s about staying consistent with the standards you’ve already set, even while acknowledging that the environment is harder than usual. Clear expectations create stability when everything else feels uncertain.

Consistency doesn’t mean ignoring context or pushing people past their limits. It means being clear about what still matters, even when everything else feels uncertain. When expectations disappear entirely, people lose their footing. When they remain steady, teams know where to stand.

Steady leadership doesn’t come from having all the answers. It comes from staying grounded, communicating honestly, and continuing to hold the line with empathy — even when the season asks more of everyone involved.

Consistency doesn’t remove compassion; it often provides it.

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