This past week, I heard an engaging keynote on accountability—especially what it means in this age of AI, where change is constant. One challenge posed was:

“Are you results-oriented or explanation-oriented? Do you take full accountability for achieving results, or do you make excuses?”

At first, I bristled. Too severe. What about unexpected barriers? Capacity? Wellness? Doesn’t s#it happen? And if it does, does that mean we’re not results-oriented? Couldn’t it just be a setback? Beyond that, could a rigid focus on results vs. excuses compromise authenticity in today’s world?

Now, I might just be giving myself a pass on results—especially when I feel overwhelmed. This mindset—that something is “too big”—is one I’m working on. As Tara Brach reminds us: Your feelings are real. But are they true? My life (and likely yours) would say No! I have dealt with many big things. So I’m capable, but what else makes this seem daunting sometimes?

What does it really mean to be results-oriented?

Yes, we have non-negotiable outcomes. But along the way, we uncover learnings—about the goal, ourselves, our teams, and our systems. These insights may shape the plan or even require a pivot. So what if being forthcoming about these learnings is the result itself? What if true commitment isn’t just about outcomes, but about the unwavering pursuit of growth?

Two of my favorite experts on work and life would agree:

• Amy Edmondson, in Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well

Edmondson challenges the idea that failure should be avoided. She argues that intelligent failures—thoughtful experiments that yield insights—are essential for innovation. Reframing results to include well-run experiments moves us from a rigid “win or lose” mindset into a culture of progress.

• Yoda, in The Empire Strikes Back

When Yoda tells Luke, “Do or do not. There is no try,” he isn’t demanding perfection—he’s calling for full commitment. Luke’s early definition of success was about proving himself. Yoda’s was about transformation. The deeper result was who Luke became, not just whether he lifted the X-wing from the swamp.

So with this, yes—I can firmly stand on the results side. Not results as a rigid, do-or-die scoreboard, but results as a process of learning, discovery, and evolution alongside measurable outcomes.

Here’s to recognizing and celebrating all the results in your purposeful journey!