Personal accountability is one of the seven character traits of a Pack Leader, as I write in Pack Leader Psychology. As a psychotherapist, getting patients to recognize, admit and correct mistakes is central to my work. Those who cannot do so, usually because they have low self-worth and are “Dominator” personalities, have a difficult time with personal change, growth and transformation. This saying summarizes the idea of accountability perfectly.
A great nation is like a great man.
When he makes a mistake, he realizes it.
Having realized it, he admits it.
Having admitted it, he corrects it.
He considers those who point out his faults as his most benevolent teachers.
– Lao Tzu