Building on last week’s discussion on the distinction between responsibility and accountability, let’s explore the barriers to a responsibility-first mindset. As noted, it takes horizontal thinking; adopting it isn’t without challenges. In discussions with leaders, I see three common barriers that stand in the way: the innovator’s dilemma, inertia, and individual fear of failure.

The innovator’s dilemma poses a real challenge for executives who are hesitant to embrace horizontal thinking because it requires letting go of what has historically worked. It’s the old “If it ain’t broke, why fix it” mindset. Maintaining a narrow focus on individual mandates might seem safer in the short term, but it often prevents leaders from seeing the broader picture, stifling long-term growth. You see this in organizations that experience good growth but not leading growth.

Inertia is another major obstacle. Many organizations are built to reinforce vertical accountability. People are measured and rewarded by what they produce in their silo—it’s often volume over value.  The systems in place reward meeting personal objectives rather than fostering collective responsibility. This inertia can result in leaders avoiding the hard work of organizational transformation and sticking to old models because change is slow, uncertain, and risky.

Lastly, there’s fear of failure. Collaboration across departments or owning a collective outcome means taking risks beyond one’s immediate control. Research indicates that 60% of B2B purchase decisions stall due to concerns over making the wrong choice. For some leaders, the fear of failing leads to retreating into safer silos. As a result, fear drives a cycle of disengagement from horizontal thinking, creating politically charged environments.

Confronting these barriers head-on, executives can unlock a new leadership level. What if, instead of being constrained by the fear of failure or inertia, they embraced the opportunity to innovate through collaboration? What if these barriers weren’t the roadblocks they seem to be but rather the starting point for transformational change? In other words, an opportunity to exploit.

Breaking through the three barriers of the innovator’s dilemma, inertia, and individual fear of failure requires a blend of cultural change, structural support, and leadership mindset shifts. Next week, we’ll overview proven strategies for addressing each barrier.

Let’s unlock better—together.