Most leaders believe they’ve been clear.

Expectations were set. Goals were communicated. “Good” was explained.

And yet — execution still breaks down.

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores why the real breakdown isn’t effort or intent — it’s accountability. He unpacks why expectations without ownership create frustration, how accountability has been misunderstood as control, and why disciplined accountability actually frees people instead of pressuring them.

This conversation reframes accountability as clarity with follow-through, shows how SMART makes accountability visible rather than emotional, and explains why strong accountability protects high performers while allowing leaders to step out of rescue mode.

Expectations set direction.

Accountability is what moves the work forward.