Something magical happens when we accept personal responsibility for our behavior and our results.But, it's not easy, because it's human nature to "pass the buck" – when people struggle, many times they find themselves blaming others, blaming the economy, blaming this, blaming that.
Mature leaders know that when things go wrong in their business or their life, you can always find the culprit - in the mirror. In nearly every instance, it always comes back to choices you’ve made in life that put you exactly where you are today.
As a leader one of the most important things you can do in times of change is to get your team to understand how taking personal responsibility and recognizing problems as opportunities will not only help the company, but will help them as individuals.
Authors B.J. Gallagher and Steve Ventura wrote a great little book about achieving success through personal accountability titled: Who Are "They" Anyway?
I like their list showing how each individual in the company can benefit by adopting a "Personal Accountability Attitude":
You have more control over your destiny
You become an active contributor rather than a passive observer
Others look to you for leadership
You gain the reputation as a problem solver
You enhance your career opportunities
You enjoy the satisfaction that comes from getting things done...the power of positive doing
You experience less anger, frustration and helplessness - all leading to better physical health
You realize a positive spillover effect into your personal life at home
The most important words of personal responsibility are as follows:
The 10 most important words: I won't wait for others to take the first step.
The 9 most important words: If it is to be, it's up to me.
The 8 most important words: If not me, who? If not now, when?
The 7 most important words: Let me take a shot at it.
The 6 most important words: I will not pass the buck.
The 5 most important words: You can count on me.
The 4 most important words: It IS my job!
The 3 most important words: Just do it!
The 2 most important words: I will.
The most important word: Me
Frank Tyger said it best..."Your future depends on many things, but mostly yourself."
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