Building a Culture of Healthy Accountability: Reflections on the Good Leadership Conference 

Last Friday, November 22, 2024, more than 250 senior executives met to learn about the opportunity to transform the way their organization thinks about accountability. It starts with adding the word “healthy” into the discussion. The Good Leadership Conference theme was: Building a culture of healthy accountability.  

Guests were greeted at 7:30 AM by the bright and sunny sounds of the live swing band Too Darn Hot, who energized the room at least a dozen times during the conference. Why spend the money on a live band? “I’ve never been awakened by live music before my morning coffee,” one guest commented. “I’m addicted; when are you going to do this again?” he smirked.  
 

The Secrets to a Good Conference 

Friends of Good Leadership knew they could expect these three things to create a memorable and impactful experience.  

1. Find energy in meeting new people – or meeting familiar people in a new way 

2. Hearing something surprising from the speakers/programming 

3. Shaping the outcome of the meeting, through their participation 

The Conference experience was guided by a stimulating host, Lataya Allseits, and directed by Kevin Sensenig – the designer of the research. Throughout the day, participants in the research shared how being involved in the research project and the conference changed how they see their roles in building a culture of healthy accountability.  

Important Work 

The data is sobering: 62% of employees surveyed described accountability in their culture to be negative and punitive. 37% describe their company’s approach to accountability to be reactive, and finger-pointing. That means there’s a huge opportunity for improvement. 

Over the next few months, this blog will bring to light the most important data points, reported by implications at the Organization, Team and Individual levels. We’ll also lay out the Pathway to Healthy Accountability™. 

The Most Important Learning?   

Relying on direct managers to maintain a culture of healthy accountability is flawed thinking. We need to build upon the system of executive leaders, team leaders, and teammates to create an environment where individuals seek personal ownership over their work. 

The loudest applause goes out to Old National Bank for being the presenting sponsor, to Twin Cities Business for their media sponsorship, and to everyone in the room who is motivated to build a culture of healthy accountability.  

Happy Thanksgiving – it’s the season to celebrate goodness.  

To learn more about the Pathway to Healthy Accountability™, click here.