Accountable Quote by Patrick Lencioni
“Failing to hold someone accountable is ultimately an act of selfishness.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, 2002
Avoiding accountability shifts responsibility onto others, revealing selfish motives and undermining collective success.
In simple terms: Not holding people accountable is selfish and harms teamwork.
Practice clear expectations and follow‑up.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- project management
- team meetings
- performance reviews
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does avoiding accountability affect trust?
- What steps can you take to hold peers responsibly?
People may fear conflict, making accountability hard.