Accountability Is Designed, Not Implied: Three Questions to Ask Before Every Meeting Ends

HERE'S A PATTERN I SEE REGULARLY WITH LEADERSHIP TEAMS IN IT SERVICES FIRMS:

Everyone agrees in the meeting. Heads nod. The plan feels solid. Then the next meeting shows up… and very little has actually moved forward.

When that happens, it's rarely because people don't care or aren't capable. It's usually because accountability is implied, not designed.

ONE SIMPLE FIX I OFTEN RECOMMEND:

Before you close any leadership meeting, pressure-test every decision with three questions:

• Who owns this? (one name, not a role)

• What does 'done' actually mean?

• By when will we see progress?

If you can't answer all three cleanly, the work is unlikely to move forward — no matter how aligned the room feels.

If this pattern feels familiar, you're not alone. And it's fixable. Hit reply if you want help tightening this up.

— Ron