Accountability Ladder Worksheet

Accountability Ladder Worksheet

Instructions:

This worksheet complements the Accountability Ladder lesson and focuses on applying concepts not already covered in the presentation. Use these exercises to reflect deeply on challenging scenarios, recognize limiting beliefs, and practice climbing “Above the Line.” Write your responses clearly and thoughtfully.

Section 1: Challenging Scenarios

Scenario 1: The Unexpected Rainstorm

The weather forecast predicted sunshine, and your friend discouraged you from packing rain jackets. Halfway through the walk, it starts pouring, and your friend blames you for not being prepared.

  • How could you take accountability in this situation?
  • What could you have done differently to avoid this outcome?

Scenario 2: The Traffic Jam

You left early for practice, expecting to arrive with plenty of time, but a traffic jam made you late.

  • How could you take ownership instead of blaming external circumstances?
  • What steps could you take to prevent this in the future?

Scenario 3: Unprepared Assignment

You prepared all week to guard the point guard of the number one team. Just before tip-off, the coach assigns you to the shooting guard instead. You feel unprepared and overwhelmed.

  1. How could you rescue this situation in real time?
  2. Why is taking this approach better than blaming the coach or your teammates?


Section 2: “I Don’t Know” Moments

Reflection:

  • Write about a time when you were unaware of a problem or situation.
    • What happened, and why didn’t you know about it?
    • How did this lack of awareness affect the outcome?

Awareness Exercise:

Spend 5 minutes observing your environment. Note details you hadn’t paid attention to before, such as:

  • Sounds
  • Textures
  • Body language
  • Lighting
  • Smells

Benefits of Awareness:

  • How does paying attention help you identify opportunities or risks?
  • How can this skill make you more accountable in future situations?


Section 3: Limiting Beliefs

  1. Write down 3–5 limiting beliefs or excuses you hold about yourself or your situation.
  2. For each belief, identify its source: fear, uncertainty, or self-doubt.
  3. Challenge each belief by answering the following:
    • Is this belief absolutely true?
    • What evidence do you have that contradicts it?
    • What action could you take to overcome it?

Limiting Belief

Source (Fear, Uncertainty, Self-Doubt)

Questions to Challenge the Belief

Example: I’m not a strong leader.

Self-Doubt

What evidence supports this? What past actions prove otherwise? What step can I take to improve?


Section 4: Taking Ownership

Rescue a Situation:

Choose a real-life scenario or one from the lesson, such as the rainstorm, traffic jam, or unprepared assignment. Answer the following:

  • How could you have rescued the situation instead of blaming others?
  • What specific steps could you take to ensure better preparation next time?

Reflect:

  • What mistakes were made, and why?
  • How could you improve your personal processes, communication, or teamwork to avoid similar issues in the future?


Section 5: Moving “Above the Line”

  1. Reality Check:
    • Why is acknowledging reality important for accountability?
    • Write down the objective facts of a recent challenge you faced.
  1. Find Solutions:
    • Describe a step-by-step plan to solve a current problem in your life or work.
  1. Take Action:
    • List one action you will take immediately to demonstrate accountability.


Section 6: Final Reflection

  1. Why is accountability essential for leadership and teamwork?
  2. Write a paragraph explaining why you want to be a Victor instead of a Victim.