Accountability Over Entitlement

The Key to a Winning Workplace and Sports Team

Success, whether in the office or on the court, isn’t about who gets the best perks or the easiest ride. It’s about who takes ownership of their performance. Yet, in both workplaces and sports teams, entitlement has crept in. Too often, players expect guaranteed minutes just for showing up, and employees feel they deserve recognition regardless of their contribution.

In his book, Cy Wakeman’s No Ego makes it clear… high-performance cultures don’t cater to entitlement—they foster accountability. Whether you’re leading a team in business or basketball, here’s why accountability beats entitlement every time.

Entitlement Is Holding Your Team Back

In business, entitlement looks like:

?????? “I deserve a raise because I’ve been here for years.”

?????? “My manager doesn’t appreciate me, so I don’t feel motivated to go the extra mile.”

?????? “It’s not fair that I have to work harder than others.” In sports, entitlement sounds like:

?????? “Coach isn’t giving me enough playing time.”

?????? “I should be starting—I’m better than that guy.”

?????? “We lost because the ref made bad calls.”

Both scenarios create excuses over improvement. Instead of looking for ways to get better, people focus on what they’re not getting. This mindset kills growth and performance.

The Solution, Creating A Culture of Accountability

Winning teams, whether in business or sports—hold each other accountable. Instead of blaming external factors, they ask, "What can I do to improve?"

A reality-based leader or coach doesn’t pamper players or employees. They push them to take responsibility.

?????? In business, a great leader asks:

?????? “What actions have you taken to solve this problem?”

?????? “How can you contribute to a better work environment?”

?????? “What would the best version of you do in this situation?”

?????? In sports, a great coach asks:

?????? “How are you preparing for your opportunity?”

?????? “What can you do differently to impact the game?”

?????? “How would a leader on this team handle this challenge?”

By shifting focus from complaints to solutions, teams develop resilience, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure.

Measuring Contribution, Not Just Satisfaction

Too many organisations and teams rely on engagement surveys or player satisfaction to measure success. But instead of asking, “Are you happy?” leaders should ask:

?? For employees:

• “What have you done to improve team culture?”
• “How have you contributed to our company’s success?”
• “What steps have you taken to develop in your role?”

?? For athletes:

• “How are you making an impact in the minutes you get?”
• “What habits are you building to earn more responsibility?”
• “Are you focusing on what’s within your control?”

This mindset shift forces self-reflection and moves teams away from entitlement thinking. Instead of waiting for someone else to create success, players and employees take ownership of their results.

The Long-Term Benefits of an Accountability-Driven Culture

? Employees and athletes take responsibility instead of blaming circumstances.

? Effort and preparation replace complaints and excuses.

? Teams adapt quickly to challenges instead of resisting change.

? Performance improves because everyone is focused on results, not entitlement.

When accountability is the norm,?leaders spend less time managing emotions and more time driving performance. High standards produce high achievers in an office or on the field.

Are You a Contributor or a Complainer?

The best teams—business or sports—don’t cater to entitlement. They expect everyone to show up, work hard, and own their results. Leaders should challenge their teams to step up and be accountable because, at the end of the day:

?? Your workplace doesn’t owe you a promotion—you owe it your best work.

?? Your coach doesn’t owe you playing time—you owe them effort and execution.

If you want success, stop waiting for it to be handed to you. Earn it.

No Ego by Cy Wakeman is a game-changer if you’re tired of workplace drama, excuses, and entitlement slowing down progress, whether in business or sports. This book challenges traditional leadership by shifting the focus from?engagement to accountability, showing how real success comes from taking ownership and not expecting handouts. Wakeman provides practical tools to eliminate emotional waste, foster resilience, and create a high-performing culture where results matter. Whether you're a leader, coach, or individual striving for growth, No Ego will help you build a mindset that thrives on responsibility, adaptability, and long-term success.

?? What’s one moment where you chose accountability over entitlement? Share your story in the comments! ??