Stop the Blame Game: Leadership Accountability Starts with You

One of the hottest topics in our programs used to be millennials — how to lead them, how to motivate them, and how to understand them. But the conversation has shifted. Millennials are no longer the “new generation” in the workplace; they are the managers, the directors, and even the executives shaping today’s organizations. Yet, despite that evolution, the habit of blaming an entire generation for workplace challenges persists. Whether it’s millennials, Gen Z, or whoever comes next, it’s time to stop the blame game and start looking at where leadership accountability truly begins — with ourselves.

At LIA Training, we have the privilege of working with leaders and emerging leaders across every generation. What we’ve discovered is this: the struggle isn’t with any one age group — it’s with accountability. It’s with leaders who find it easier to point fingers than to reflect inward. While each generation brings its own perspectives and communication styles, the real difference between thriving and struggling workplaces comes down to one thing: how well leaders take ownership of their influence, their development, and their team’s success.

Through the years millennials have learned the art of complaining and are also becoming masters at the blame game – blaming generations before and after them for various behaviors, so they are not guilt-free in this game of no accountability.

Based on the numbers, Gen Z’s have been in the work world for several years now, many of who serve in leadership positions or are preparing to move into leadership positions. Odd that no one ever mentions them, and I’m not implying Generation Z is the problem. I’m saying leadership is the problem.

Leadership is finding an excuse, someone to blame for their own inadequacies. Inadequacies they refuse to acknowledge. What’s apparent by doing the math is that it’s time to stop looking at any group of people and labeling them as “entitled” or “lazy” or “undependable” or any of the other adjectives that come up. It’s time to step up and be the leader you promised to be when you took the leadership position. It's time for leadership accountability!

Now might be a good time to look at all the accusations you have thrown toward this generational group and see if those same characteristics apply to you. Have you been too lazy to do the work of leadership? Too lazy to make the effort to build relationships with your employees? Have you been too lazy to find ways to grow yourself as a leader?

Are you guilty of entitlement? Did you take your leadership position with the idea that your title would automatically earn you respect from your team, hard work from your team, or any level of motivation from your team?

Have you been undependable towards your team? When your employees need a leader that holds people accountable, a leader that pushes them and works with them in their own development, or a leader that tries to understand from their perspective, have you failed them? Can they depend on you to show up for them and support them each and every day?

It's time to stop the blame game. It’s time to step up into your leadership role and realize that if things aren’t running smoothly, if your team isn’t performing optimally, it’s the leader that has work to do. Leadership is about relationships. You cannot be successful in leadership if you don’t know relationships, how to build them and how to sustain them. As a leader it’s time to shift the focus off of any group of individuals and aim it at yourself. It’s time to start investing in your growth as a leader and in your responsibilities to your team. If you’re struggling with that it’s time to find a mentor or reach out to LIA Training.

Leadership begins with accountability — the willingness to own your results and your growth. If you’re ready to strengthen this foundation, explore the Honesty & Integrity microlearning workbook — a practical guide to building trust and credibility through consistent leadership action.