1. Ladder of Accountability
8. Do it - Implement Solutions
7. Find/Create Solutions
Above the Line
(Accountability)
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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Ladder of Accountability Exercise
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?