Accountability has created a myth of precision. This is the idea that there is always a right answer and that one can measure results precisely. This idea is fine in science but it is spreading into business and now our schools and beyond. It is an irrational exuberance about testing that forces people (and ideas) to behave in a manner than can be measured even when this will limit growth. The belief is then that when things go wrong this is because individuals do not follow procedure or that the right set of controls are not in place. When complex systems go wrong the solution is always at the next level of detail and control. But the reality, surely, is that we don’t really control anything at a human level. Moreover, attempts to control the uncontrollable sacrifice innovation, adaptability and ultimately resilience. If someone cheats on his or her expenses it is therefore the fault of the reporting system. In other words this myth of precision ignores human nature and refuses to accept that people work in different ways. Ultimately it drives out human judgement and initiative, which is surely the biggest risk of all.