We Need Nathans - Courage to Hold Leaders Accountable

I recently had a discussion with my son about leadership accountability.  I was explaining how our approach to those in authority impacts how they respond to our concerns. I told him, “The way you present things to people matters.” Accountability – a word people do not like to hear, but it is a principle we must demand from leadership.  How often do we, as individuals, step up and hold our leaders accountable, especially in moments when it feels like the most difficult thing to do? Courage is at the heart of accountability. It requires the willingness to face discomfort, risk relationships, and stand for truth, even when it’s easier to remain silent.

One of my favorite leadership stories is about Nathan, the prophet who confronted King David because it offers a profound example of leadership accountability and courage. David was not just a leader; he was a king—powerful, revered, and chosen by God. Yet, even David succumbed to temptation, committing adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrating the death of her husband, Uriah, to cover up his wrong behavior. When no one else dared to challenge the king, Nathan stepped forward to speak the truth with wisdom, respect, and boldness. We are in desperate need of Nathans!

Nathan’s approach was just as powerful as his courage. Rather than leveraging direct accusations, he told David a parable about a rich man who unjustly took from a poor man. When David reacted in anger at the injustice, Nathan delivered the piercing words, “You are the man.” This was not just a callout but a call-up! It was a mirror, forcing David to confront his own actions and repent. Nathan’s courage was not rooted in defiance but in a deep sense of justice, compassion, and accountability to speak the truth.

If you’ve been in a position where you had to confront a leader—an owner, supervisor, family member, or even a prominent figure—you know how intimidating that can be. Fear of retaliation, strained relationships, or being labeled as “difficult” can silence even the most well-intended voices. The closer the relationship, the harder the confrontation.

Yet, the courage to face these difficult conversations is what leaders are called to do.  Nathan surely understood the risks of challenging a king. He could have been dismissed, ridiculed, or even killed, but his sense of duty outweighed his fear. He recognized accountability was not just about him—it was about ensuring integrity in positions of leadership.

The same principle can apply to our own lives. Whether it’s addressing poor leadership at work, a parent’s harmful behavior, or challenging societal norms, the courage to hold leaders accountable stems from our conviction to live truthfully with moral excellence—privately and publicly.

Leaders are not infallible—they are humans. They need guidance and correction, just like anyone else.  When we respectfully call them to account, we can change the course of their leadership trajectory and help shape a culture that prioritizes moral excellence.  Whether heads of state, managers, community leaders, or parents, leaders wield considerable influence over the lives of others. Power becomes a breeding ground for abuse, corruption, and apathy without accountability. Holding leaders accountable is not about pointing out their shortcomings; to the contrary, the goal is to rebuild, realign, and restore integrity.

Accountability serves as a guardrail for leaders to ensure their actions align with their values and responsibilities – it is a two-way street. While leaders are responsible for unselfish and ethical decision-making, others “in the room” of influence are accountable for helping leaders stay on course. The question then becomes, how can we embody this courage in our daily lives? Here are some practical steps to consider:

1. Speak with Intent

Confrontation is not about attacking or humiliating—it is about improving.  Approach the conversation with a clear purpose using empathy, tact, and respect to convey your perspective without undermining the leader’s humanity or authority.

2. Stay Rooted in Truth

Before holding someone accountable, ensure the criticism is valid, fair, and factual. Emotional reactions can cloud judgment, so rely on concrete evidence and clear examples when addressing concerns.

3. Focus on Solutions

Accountability is not about assigning blame—it is about fostering change. Frame your concerns in a way that prioritizes growth, offering constructive suggestions rather than just criticism.

4. Prepare for Resistance

Not every leader will respond with contrition after a confrontation. Some may react defensively, deny the issue, or even retaliate. Understand your role is to plant the seed of accountability, but their response is ultimately out of your hands.

5. Remember Your Responsibility

If you see wrongdoing and choose to remain silent, consider the potential harm inaction may cause or perpetuate. Courage is not easy, but it is often necessary. When guided by noble intent and integrity, your voice has the power to inspire leaders to change. A leader who is guided back to integrity can reshape the culture of our families, communities, or nations.

Accountability also sets a precedent, showing others that silence in the face of wrongdoing is not an option. The world does not just need leaders—it needs people courageous enough to confront them. At the heart of accountability lies the hope that we can all do better, lead better, and be better servants to humanity. Courageous accountability invites leaders to rise to their fullest potential.