At your last strategy retreat, did everyone walk out crystal clear on who’s accountable for what? Probably not.

In a recent poll I ran, the #1 conversation most often avoided during strategy planning was: “Who is actually accountable?” (37%).

Ouch! Why?  

Because naming names can feel risky. It stirs up power dynamics, unspoken doubts, or fears of overstepping. But dodging accountability conversations is one of the biggest mistakes leaders make—and it’s costing organizations traction, trust, and time and talent.

In my upcoming book, Fast Track Your Big Idea: Navigate Risk, Move People to Action, and Avoid Your Strategy Going Off Course, I name this as one of the top strategy pitfalls:  Launching with unclear roles, responsibilities, and unclear decision-making authority.

Sometimes the person you think is responsible doesn’t feel empowered to act.  Or they aren’t clear about which decisions they can make. Or they don’t know the scope of what they’re responsible for in the first place.

When no one is clear on who owns what, and who can make a decision, delays creep in. People step back instead of stepping up. Everyone assumes someone else is driving—so no one is.

For every strategic goal/project/initiative, its crucial to ask two questions:  

• If this stalls or fails, who will be held accountable—and do they know it?
• Who has the authority to fix it—without needing to ask for permission?

These two questions alone can expose some confusion and hidden weak spots.

Here’s a practical step: At your next strategy session, write real names—not departments or roles—next to each key outcome. Clarify exactly what that person is empowered to decide or change to achieve that goal. 

Then take the time to make sure these leaders are clear on the scope, consequences and authority they have to make decisions to achieve the outcomes.

This one move will build momentum, trust, and resilience.

It will also signal to your top leaders that you’re setting them up to succeed, not leaving them to sink.

Would love to hear what you think.  

What happens when YOU ask, “Who actually owns this?” 

—Susan 

P.S. If your strategy needs a jumpstart, join the next 1/2 day Strategy Reboot  or contact me about leading a custom session for your leadership team. You’ll get under the rrisks of your strategy, walk away with a focused action plan—and  tackle even the uncomfortable fewer missed conversations. Learn more at strategyreboot.com. 

This article is part of my newsletter, “Fast Track Insights“, providing practical ideas whether you are driving a new strategy or getting one back on track. I want to help you avoid common mistakes. Subscribe+ above to receive practical insights once or twice a month.