Reflections on LeadingAge Minnesota: Building A Culture of Healthy Accountability

Last week at the LeadingAge Minnesota 2025 Institute & Expo, JC Lippold, Kelsey Meyer Schalkle, Jill Duevel, and I had the privilege of representing Good Leadership in a conversation about what it takes to create a culture where accountability is not about blame but about progress. It was an afternoon filled with meaningful conversations, thoughtful insights, and a collective commitment to improving how to work together in senior care.

Personal Ownership: The Foundation of Healthy Accountability

One of the most striking moments for me at the event was a simple but profound example: Imagine if the housekeeping and janitorial staff at a senior living facility didn’t take personal ownership of their work. The impact would be immediate and unmistakable. But when the first thing you see when you walk in is a well-cared-for space, it sets the tone for everything else. This kind of ownership is the foundation of healthy accountability.

The Power of the Seven Fs Wheel

Good Leadership introduced the Seven Fs Wheel (Faith, Family, Finances, Fitness, Friends, Fun, and Future). It was a perfect way to bring the room together. It sparked engagement, allowing people to reflect on their own balance and how it connects to accountability in their teams.

A Key Takeaway: Winning Together

One quote that resonated with many:
“When people are struggling, you find strategies to hold their hand so you can win together.”

That’s what healthy accountability is about. It’s not about doing everything yourself but being a resource for others. After all, nothing significant happens alone.

Another highlight? Only one pilot lands the plane: the discussion focused on role clarity, teamwork, and input. It’s a reminder that high-accountability language isn’t restrictive; it’s actually a relief. Saying things out loud, naming expectations, and making roles clear releases tension rather than creating it.

Keeping the Momentum Going

The next steps are simple but important: taking time to reflect, sharing insights with teams, and continuing to reinforce accountability in meaningful ways.

This event reinforced an important truth: when accountability is approached with care, clarity, and collaboration, it strengthens not only teams but also the people who are served.

How do you see healthy accountability showing up in your work?