Accountability Assessment
1. Do you (or your company) own the GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket repository where your code is stored?
You should be the organization owner, not just a guest/collaborator on someone else's account.
2. Can you see daily commits from your developers in the repository?
Developers should commit code daily, not in bulk at the end of the week or project.
3. Can you download the complete codebase anytime you want, without asking permission?
You should have full clone/download access to all repositories at all times.
4. Are all third-party accounts (AWS, hosting, domains) registered under YOUR company email?
Developer's personal emails create vendor lock-in. You should own all accounts directly.
5. Do you have written documentation explaining how your system works?
README files, architecture docs, setup instructions—not just "ask the developer."
6. Do your developers respond to messages within 4 business hours during working days?
Professional accountability includes timely communication, not radio silence.
7. Could you hire a different developer tomorrow and give them full access to everything?
True code ownership means zero dependency on any single person.
Your Accountability Score
What This Means:
Great news! You have strong accountability practices in place. You truly own your code and aren't dependent on any single developer.
Recommendation: Maintain these standards as you grow. Consider periodic audits to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Moderate risk detected. You have some accountability gaps that could become serious problems if not addressed.
Critical issues found: out of 7 standards are not met.
Recommendation: Implement missing accountability standards within 30 days. These gaps compound over time.
IMPORTANT TO ADDRESS: You have significant gaps in code ownership and accountability practices that create business continuity risk.
Areas needing attention: out of 7 professional standards should be established.
Without these standards in place, business continuity could be at risk if your developer became unavailable:
- Your source code repository (you don't own it)
- The ability to download your code
- Critical third-party accounts (registered under their email)
- Any understanding of how your system works (no docs)
- The ability to bring in a replacement developer
Establishing these professional standards helps protect your business and creates clarity for everyone involved.
Your Specific Red Flags:
You don't own the repository
ACTION: Create a GitHub/GitLab organization under your company, transfer all repos, make yourself owner.
No daily commits visible
ACTION: Require developers to commit code daily. Weekly bulk commits hide what they're actually doing.
Can't download your own code
ACTION: Request full repository access. This enables proper backup and business continuity planning.
Accounts under developer's email
ACTION: Transfer all AWS, hosting, domain accounts to your company email TODAY. This is vendor lock-in.
No documentation
ACTION: Require a README, setup guide, and architecture diagram within 2 weeks.
Poor communication
ACTION: Set SLA: 4-hour response time during business hours. No exceptions.
Can't replace developer
ACTION: Address the gaps above to ensure business continuity and professional accountability standards.
Need Help Fixing These Issues?
If you scored below 85, there are opportunities to strengthen your code ownership and accountability practices. A Fractional CTO can help assess your current setup, work collaboratively with your team to establish proper ownership structures, and align everyone on professional standards that protect the business.
30-minute call. We'll identify your biggest risks and give you a specific action plan.