Much of leadership is about responsibility. We talk about leaders being in positions of responsibility. Leaders are often seen as responsible for the plans and actions they set in motion.
Some people view being responsible as a positive trait. They expect people to meet a standard of responsible behavior. When a person is responsible, they would say they are able to meet their responsibilities. Responsible people can perform the duties they are given well and meet the standard. They are able to get things done.
Responsible people appreciate the significance of their own contributions.
Other people view being responsible from a different perspective. When something does not meet expectations, when things go wrong, they are responsible.
Not all responsibility is positive. Some people understand responsibility as nearly synonymous with anxiety. They take responsibility for potential results beyond their own plans and actions. They feel an urgent need to force every action to be successful and beneficial. It is almost as if they feel responsible never to show weakness or doubt.
They feel responsible to demonstrate perfection.
There have been times when I felt responsible to make everything work well. Anytime anyone did anything which was not exactly right, it was my personal responsibility. I showed everyone, even myself, taking responsibility does not always bring out the best in people.
Responsibility is significant and positive because it can bring out what is best in us. Responsibility, at its heart, is not about rules or plans, budgets or procedures. We are responsible, first and foremost, to our best selves.
Each of us is in a position of responsibility. Each of us is called to be our truest selves, and the key is how we respond.
What is your most positive responsibility?
Where will you demonstrate positive responsibility today?
[Image by nosha]
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In