When things go wrong in the workplace there can be a tendency to place blame, which can hinder the process of fixing the problem. Here are four ways leaders can help build a culture of accountability. 

1. Cultivate a growth mindset. Frame mistakes as a way to learn rather than a cause for fear. Failing to learn anything useful from the mistake is the real failure.
2. Pause before responding. For leaders it can be helpful to get in the habit of underreacting and pausing before responding to news. Often the first thing that comes to mind can be emotional or defensive, whereas the second can be more helpful.
3. Promote a just culture. In a just culture team members are more likely to flag errors. Team members know where the line is between acceptable and unacceptable actions.
4. Create an environment of psychological safety. This can be helpful in creating an atmosphere where team members can talk about mistakes and ask questions.

For more information, read “The blame game: whose fault is it?” from the London Business School.