The Leadership Crisis: Why Leadership Accountability and Taking Responsibility Matters at Every Level

Leadership is a journey. As a teen leadership coach, I emphasize that no one is born a fully developed leader—not even the great ones. Leadership is cultivated through continuous growth, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn. However, when leaders refuse to embrace this journey, they limit their potential and undermine their ability to lead effectively.

The Cost of Leadership Without Accountability

This post may challenge some parents, but as someone committed to developing young leaders, I can’t ignore the glaring lack of leadership I see in one of the highest positions in our country—the presidency.

The presidency of the United States should represent the pinnacle of earned leadership, built on trust, vision, and the ability to unite people. Yet, what we increasingly see is leadership as a privilege of power, not a reflection of character or capability. Name recognition alone does not make someone a leader. President Trump, for example, embodies leadership in title only, leveraging his name and influence rather than demonstrating the qualities of great leadership.

This is not a debate about policy. It’s about leadership values—particularly the ability to take responsibility.

Leaders Who Blame, Not Own

A recent news story illustrated this point perfectly. A leaked Signal chat revealed behind-the-scenes discussions, highlighting the resistance to accountability within certain leadership circles. In a discussion on The Daily Podcast (March 28, 2025), journalist Maggie Haberman noted:

“The thing Donald Trump hates more than Jeffrey Goldberg is apologizing. And so it’s not really something you hear him do too often, especially without blaming someone else in the process. It’s just not what they do.”

This mindset isn’t limited to one political party or figure. Leadership without accountability exists in classrooms, boardrooms, and households. Leaders who refuse to take responsibility create a culture where no one else does either.

The Ripple Effect: Leadership Accountability in the Classroom

I’ve seen this firsthand in my work as a teacher. Early in my career, I made the mistake of blaming my administration for school policies I didn’t agree with. When students pushed back on dress codes or standardized tests, I distanced myself, saying, “It’s not my rule—it’s just something I have to enforce.”

Unsurprisingly, my students followed my lead. When they failed to complete assignments, their excuses sounded eerily familiar: “I had basketball practice; it’s not my fault the coach scheduled it.” They were doing exactly what I had modeled—shifting responsibility rather than taking ownership.

When I started owning my role as a leader in the classroom, things changed. I began having open conversations with my students about time management and expectations. Instead of brushing off rules, I invited discussions: “Why do we have a hat rule? How does it impact the classroom environment?” Soon, my students followed suit. They started communicating their needs, negotiating deadlines, and taking responsibility for their learning. Leadership is contagious when it’s practiced authentically.

The Parallels in Parenting

Leadership lessons don’t stop in the classroom. As a parent, I once clung to the “Because I said so” method. When my children were younger, they saw me as a superhero—so why admit when I was wrong? But that approach had consequences. When I expected them to clean their rooms or complete chores, they would agree but not follow through. Why? Because I wasn’t modeling accountability.

Now, I strive to own my mistakes as a parent. If I say no without a good reason, I admit it. Does that mean my teenagers magically keep their rooms clean? Not quite—but it does mean we have more honest conversations, and they know they can trust me to listen.

Leadership at the Highest Level

If we expect accountability from our children, our students, and ourselves, we should demand it from our country’s highest leaders. Leaders who refuse to apologize or acknowledge mistakes set a dangerous precedent. Trump isn’t the only example—President Clinton’s well-documented refusal to admit wrongdoing also comes to mind. This isn’t a partisan issue; it’s a leadership issue.

Leaders who act as though they are immune from mistakes create cultures of blame and bad decision-making. But leaders who embrace accountability—whether in the classroom, the home, or the White House—foster trust, integrity, and lasting influence.