How can a leader foster a culture of accountability?

A leader can foster a culture of accountability by setting clear expectations and consistently following up on commitments because this establishes a framework within which team members understand their roles and responsibilities. When expectations are clearly defined, individuals know what is expected of them and how their performance will be measured. This clarity enables them to take ownership of their tasks and fosters a sense of responsibility for their outcomes.

Moreover, following up on commitments reinforces the importance of accountability by demonstrating that the leader is engaged and invested in the team's performance. It allows for regular feedback, which can guide improvement and encourage individuals to remain committed to their responsibilities. This combination of clarity in expectations and ongoing support ensures that accountability becomes a core value within the team or organization, leading to increased performance and morale.

The other options do not effectively contribute to fostering a culture of accountability: encouraging team competition may foster rivalry rather than a collective sense of responsibility, avoiding difficult conversations can lead to unresolved issues and lack of accountability, and delegating all responsibilities could leave individuals unclear about their own roles and the expectations placed upon them, undermining accountability.