Which of the following best represents accountability?

Accountability is fundamentally about taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions, including accepting the outcomes, whether positive or negative. The option that best represents this concept is accepting consequences for actions taken. This demonstrates a willingness to own one's choices and be answerable for the results, fostering trust and integrity in personal and professional relationships.

In contrast, taking credit for successes only, deflecting blame during conflicts, and refusing to acknowledge mistakes all represent avoidance of true accountability. These behaviors indicate a lack of ownership, as they rely on selectively accepting praise or shifting responsibility onto others rather than confronting the repercussions of one’s actions. Overall, true accountability involves a commitment to transparency and responsibility, which is perfectly captured by accepting consequences.