Ladder of Accountability
8. Do it - Implement Solutions
Above the Line
(Accountability)
7. Find/Create Solutions
6. Own It, Take a Position
5. See it - Acknowledge Reality
4. Wait and See
Below the Line
(Abdicating)
3. “If only..” or “I can’t” excuses (it’s not my job,
cover your tail, confusion – tell me what to do)
2. Blame Others, finger pointing
1. Ignore or deny the situation
Abdicating and being accountable are two approaches to
circumstances and solutions
Adapted from William Issac’s 1992 working paper, The Ladder of Influence, published by MIT Center for Organizational Learning
Two Approaches to Life

In any situation, especially uncomfortable or intense
ones, you can choose to be accountable for what
happens next, or you can choose to abdicate
responsibility for the circumstances and their
resolution. The Ladder of Accountability describes
eight levels of accountability. The bottom four
describe a stance generally focused on the past or
avoiding discomfort in the present. Choices higher on
the ladder tend to decrease anxiety, and in the long
run, lead to greater results and enhance relationships.
Key Points





More choices are available as one moves up the ladder.
Accepting responsibility for the outcome is not the same as
accepting blame for the circumstances that led to a situation.
People often move down this ladder in response to intensity
beyond their tolerance.
The greater the percentage of people in an organization
who choose stances in the top portion of the ladder of
accountability, the greater the chance the organization has
of being successful in attaining goals and a higher level of
collaboration.
Generally, the lower portion of the ladder includes more
reactive behavior and a greater sense of helplessness.
Ladder of Accountability Skills
The ladder of accountability may be used to:
 Evaluate – Identify your current stance. Apply
descriptions of the various levels to your own behavior
in a given situation. Where are you?
 Choose – Where do you want to be? Practice making
distinctions between why you would choose one level
over another.
 Act – What do you need to do differently if you want
to take a stance on a different rung of the ladder of
accountability? Practice the actions needed to be
consistent with your choices.
Ladder of Accountability Exercise
1.
2.
3.
Please take a moment to identify a current challenge
you are facing in your professional life.
Where on the ladder of accountability is your
current stance regarding this challenge?
What would you have to do to shift up at least one
step?
What would you risk in shifting your stance?