In an age of quiet quitting, AI acceleration, and shifting workplace values, the concept of accountability can seem quite old fashioned. But it’s still a foundation for trust, performance, and long-term success, both individually and organisationally. But like many workplace concepts, it's only powerful when it's clearly defined and put into action.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what accountability really means and why it matters.
What is accountability, really?
Corporate accountability
When a business actively takes responsibility for its actions, especially their impact on society and the environment.
Example: A fashion brand reports its carbon emissions and working conditions, then takes clear action to improve both.
Personal accountability
Taking ownership of your own decisions, behaviours, and their outcomes.
Example: Someone misses a deadline, owns up, explains what happened, and works out a plan to fix it going forward.
Professional accountability
Being answerable for your conduct and decisions in a work context—upholding ethics, staying competent, and learning from failure.
Example: A doctor follows clinical guidelines, keeps training up to date, and reports mistakes transparently.
Culture of accountability
When accountability becomes a shared workplace norm, not just an individual habit.
Example: In a high-performing team, everyone knows their role, gives honest feedback, and holds each other to high standards.
PepTalk Expert Voices on Accountability
Want to bring accountability to life in your organisation? These PepTalk experts can help your teams shift from avoidance to ownership.
Helen Tupper
Career Transformation Expert and CEO of Amazing If
Helen shares strategies for setting clear goals and building cultures of personal responsibility. Great for teams navigating change or growth.
Oliver Burkeman
Bestselling Author of Four Thousand Weeks
Oliver offers a no-nonsense view on time, productivity, and taking ownership in a chaotic world. Perfect for leaders dealing with burnout or overwhelm.
Jamie Crummie
Jamie speaks on how corporate accountability can drive meaningful ESG impact, especially in purpose-led businesses.
Donnie Campbell
A champion of values-based leadership, Donnie brings old-school integrity and optimism to conversations about team culture and accountability.
Nick Leeson
Former Rogue Trader turned Risk Consultant
Nick brings a unique lens to corporate accountability and risk, helping businesses understand the cost of getting it wrong, and how to get it right.
Damon D’Amore
Executive Mentor and Legacy Coach
Damon helps senior leaders and entrepreneurs develop their personal accountability, focus, and productivity to leave lasting impact.
Whether you're building trust in a startup or trying to reset a corporate culture, accountability is essential. It's the invisible glue that holds performance and integrity together💡 Need help creating a culture of accountability? Book one of these experts for your next team event, leadership offsite, or development programme. Email us at booknow@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via the chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it’s always a good time to get a PepTalk!
