All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Leadership is not only about taking credit for success but also owning up and being accountable for failures. Elucidate.

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2025 (Prelims) CSAT Official Paper (25-May-2025)

True leadership extends beyond enjoying recognition for achievements. It also demands courage to accept responsibility when outcomes fall short. Leaders who own failures demonstrate integrity, setting an example of accountability for their teams. This strengthens trust, morale, and credibility, which are essential for long-term success.

Taking credit for success without acknowledging failures creates resentment and weakens organizational culture. Conversely, leaders who accept responsibility encourage a climate of openness where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities. This reduces fear, fosters innovation, and motivates subordinates to take initiative without apprehension of blame.

History and contemporary administration provide ample evidence that accountable leaders command respect and loyalty. Leadership thus involves balancing recognition with humility, ensuring that both achievements and shortcomings are collectively addressed. In public administration, where decisions impact millions, accountability becomes even more crucial to sustain legitimacy and democratic trust.

Therefore, leadership must be defined not by personal glorification but by responsibility—both in triumph and adversity.

Answered By:

Sakshi Negi

Sakshi Negi is a Delhi-based journalist and content specialist with expertise in educational content and digital media, focusing particularly on government exam preparation and career guidance. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from NRAI School of Mass Communication and her background as a Kendriya Vidyalaya alumna, she brings unique insights into the Indian education system and government sector opportunities.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Imperfect market and political factors limit the application of Public Choice approach. Explain.

  2. The fine art of decision-making is not making decisions that others can make. Comment. 

  3. Has the media nixed its role in holding the governments accountable and ensuring transparency? Argue. 

  4. Is Herbert Simon justified in criticizing some principles of administration as proverbs? Analyse. 

  5. Administrative Law has evolved from the need to create a system of Public Administration under law. Elucidate.

  6. New Public Management has actually been a transitory state in evolution from traditional Public Administration to what is here called New Public Governance. Examine.

  7. Mary Parker Follett pioneered the evolution of socio-psychological approach to the study of organizations. Explain.

  8. Under the New Public Management framework 'Public Private Partnership' challenges the entropy of closed and open models of organization. Analyse.

  9. In conflict situations in organizations, leadership migrates to the aggresive and relegates the emotionally matured to the background. Discuss.

  10. The foundations of Public Administration, New Public Management and Public Governance rest on ‘rule of law'. Discuss.


Important Questions from Miscellaneous

  1. How will you manage a case of misplaced copper-T (Cu-T)? 

  2. Describe the embryogenesis, clinical features and principles of management of cleft palate.

  3. Write short notes in 150 words:
    Metagenesis

  4. Write short notes in 150 words:
    Book lungs

  5. Write short notes in 150 words:
    Paedomorphosis

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
UPSC IFoS
November 22, 2026
UPSC SO Steno
December 12, 2026
Test Series
IAS img
UPSC
UPSC CSE (IAS) 2027 Prelims Mock Test Series
662 Tests 3 Tests Free
1705 Attempts
4.8(203)
English, Hindi
More Questions from IAS

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App