When
someone pretends to take accountability but actually deflects responsibility.
Often involves therapy-speak, over-explaining, minimising impact, or blaming circumstances instead of owning
harm and changing behaviour.
It sounds like accountability.
It feels like accountability.
But
nothing changes.
Common phrases used during accuntability:
• “That wasn’t my intention”
• “I’m sorry you feel that
way”
• “I was going through a lot”
• “You misunderstood me”
Difference:
• Accountability = ownership + repair + change
• Accuntability = performance + deflection + repeat offence