Responsibility: Pointing in the Right Direction
17. Jan, 2011 
2 Comments
My mom didn’t let me get away with it. She knew whose responsibility it was. I was the one responsible for the clothes stuffed under my bed. I had left the wet towel on the floor. I hid the trash in the garage instead of taking it to the dumpster. I was the obvious culprit but that didn’t stop me from pointing fingers at someone else.
The truth is I wasn’t giving my best. I was looking for the shortcut so I could get onto what I wanted to do. My mom did the right thing when she confronted me and held me accountable for my actions. She displayed an important leadership principle: Leaders need to confront sloppy work and attitudes of indifference.
My careless work reflected on more than just me. My mom knew this. My behavior translated into inconsideration of others and also reflected on her abilities to lead our family. Sloppy work always reflects poorly on the team and those who are leading. When individuals on the team give less than their best it ultimately falls on the shoulders of the leader to challenge that behavior.
I like what Joel Kurtzman wrote in his recent book, Common Purpose, “Most people, of all ages and in all positions, want to do their best, contribute their utmost, and be recognized for having done so. If they are not doing their best, point your finger at their leaders – the people with the power- and not at them.”
The leaders role is to help people give their best. When a team member isn’t giving their best the responsibility falls on the leader to find out why. The entire team suffers when even one person on the team takes a lackadaisical approach to their role. Solid Leaders realize this and accept the responsibility for inspiring every member on the team to give 100%.
I’m glad I can point a finger toward my mom who held me accountable and challenged me to give my best. She taught me to be considerate of others and to not settle for half-hearted effort. Giving my best the first time saves time and communicates care for the team.
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For sure leaders have the responsibility to motivate the team. I think for a leader to learn the art of confronting is very vital…but i find this a very difficult part personally
Confronting isn’t easy for me either… but the potential for long term benefits is worth it! It takes some guts and I’ve learned that I must keep the focus on how much I care about the success of both the team and those who make up the team. If I’m going to give my best as a leader, I’ve got to be willing to do some things that make me uncomfortable. Thanks for sharing Kingsly!