It is a familiar scenario - a team gathers to discuss a goal. Projections, ideas and hopeful outcomes exchange back and forth. A plan is formed. The team disperses to execute the plan. Sometime later, the team reconvenes to process the results of the plan. But, it is not good. They fell short of the goal. In the scenario in your mind, what happens next? Many of us have witnessed people play “pass-the-buck” in these situations. Nobody wants to claim responsibility for what went wrong.
Our question to you is: “How does that make you feel when you witness this scenario?”
As leaders, we gain trust, credibility and respect when we avoid playing pass-the-buck. It is crucial for us to choose to “own it” and admit our actions instead. Does this mean we expose our own failures? Yes. Does this mean someone may see us as weak? Yes. But, it also means we have the opportunity to be seen as human, willing to learn and most of all—strong enough to admit we are fallible.
Anyone can pass blame or point fingers. Leaders go against the grain. They exercise Courage and Humility. They choose to be learners instead of finger pointers. If there is a true indiscretion or negligent failing which needs addressed on the team, a leader is strong enough to handle it with dignity. They coach the individuals concerned. After all, leaders must hold themselves accountable alongside those they lead. A team is always stronger with accountability. No matter where the problem may lie, teams grow stronger when every person owns their share of the outcome. They celebrate the wins together and they own and learn from the failures – together. Learning from the failures is an exercise in Humility. Not everything can be predicted. But, we can learn from what was once unpredictable, so it is predictable in the future. When we “own it,” we learn from it and get better.
This pass-the-buck scenario which highlights the need to exercise Humility is just the beginning of the (self-led video) training we have crafted for you and your team. We would love to come alongside you and help to sharpen your team in a platform which best meets the needs of your organization. Click here for more details.
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