Why Words Without Action Fall Flat
Summary: Social media is flooded with motivational quotes, teammates cheer each other on, and friends offer endless support. But when it comes to real progress, there’s a stark difference between being a cheerleader and having a sense of accountability.
Dear Dr. Sylvia,
My CEO recently hired a new Chief Operating Officer. He has been with us for over five months. I think that is enough time to see some resutls from him.
It is a high-paying job and one that requires coordinating a lot of moving parts.
However, he seems to be more fluff than substance.
The Senior Leadership Team is annoyed, especially me.
I am the Chief Financial Officer and I hate words that do not lead to action.
For example, it is time for one of our products to get to market. We are not ready. He can only say, “Have faith; we’ll get it done in time.”
Yet, when he is asked for specifics he says, “Why are you challenging me? I said it will be fine. Have faith in me and my team.”
I would like some ways to hold him accountable without letting my anger be the driving force.
In fact, I believe in the “Hire slow and fire fast” method at work. I am ready to go to the CEO and let her know I think we made a mistake.
Any thoughts are appreciated.
Signed,
Action, NOT words
Accountability is seen in actions not just words
Dear Action NOT Words,
Let’s be honest—how many times have you heard:
- “We’ve got this!” (But no follow-up on progress.)
- “We’re all in this together!” (Yet, when the hard work starts, silence.)
- “I believe in you!” (But the belief alone doesn’t help execute the plan.)
- “You need to believe in me!” (However, no action items are available.)
These words can feel uplifting in the moment, but without action, they ring hollow.
The Cheerleading Trap: Feel-Good But Fruitless
Cheerleaders are important. They provide energy, enthusiasm, and emotional support. But without accountability, cheerleading is just noise. Here’s why:
- Encouragement Without Action Leads to Complacency
If all you hear is “We’re doing amazing work!” but no one checks if projects are actually moving forward, staying in the comfort zone is easy. - Empty Praise Creates a False Sense of Progress
Compliments and encouragement can feel like momentum—but they aren’t. Action drives change, not just words. - Lack of Follow-Through Breeds Frustration
When people say they’ll support you but never show up, it creates distrust. It’s better to have one real accountability partner than ten well-meaning cheerleaders who disappear when things get tough. - Give the Cheerleader a List of Questions The “how, when, where, and why” questions are the most important ways to check if work is getting done.
Accountability: The Real Driver of Success
True accountability means showing up, tracking progress, and facing the uncomfortable truth when things aren’t going as planned. It’s about:
Following Through means saying, “Let’s check in on the progress next week” instead of just saying, “We are doing great!”
Holding the Mirror Up – Giving honest feedback when someone is off track, not just blindly cheering them on. How it is getting done matters more than the promise it will be done.
Taking Action – Offering real help: “Let’s set a deadline together” instead of “I’ll figure it out!”
Finding the Balance: Be a Supporter with Substance
Instead of choosing between being agreeing with a cheerleader also be enforcer:
💡 Inspire AND hold accountable. Cheer when needed, but also ask, “What’s your next step?”
💡 Encourage AND challenge. Say, “I love your idea! How are you making it happen?”
💡 Support AND commit. Offer real help, like, “Let’s set a time to review your progress next week.”
Final Thought: Be More Than a Voice—Be a Force
Cheering is easy. Holding people (and yourself) accountable is where the magic happens. Don’t just say, “You’ve got this!”—be the one who ensures they do.
Which one are you: A cheerleader or an accountability partner? It’s time to step up.
To your success,
Sylvia Lafair
PS. Learn about how stress makes many afraid of being accountable. Get a copy of Invisible Stress: It’s NOT What YOU Think on Amazon, or get a free copy of the first chapter on the home page of www.ceoptions.com
