“The moment you take 100 percent responsibility for everything in your life is the same moment you claim your power to change anything in your life.” – Hal Elrod
Why is CYA the first defense in most companies and teams?
When something goes wrong, is your immediate reaction to lay blame?
Reality Check! We live in a culture where being responsible is often confused with shame, blame and punishment.
Watch the video as I discuss the Mindset Mastery Principle 100% Responsibility. Find out why creating a culture where being responsible and accountable are encouraged often produce the most creative and productive teams.
The truth is that our need to survive encourages us to blame something outside of ourselves for the parts of our life we do not like. We blame our parents, our bosses, our co-workers, the economy, our lack of money, even the weather,—anyone or anything we can place blame. We resist looking for the cause of the problem, fearing that the responsibility will land at our doorstep. CYA is a common and counter-productive mindset that can become consuming in challenging situations.
Concern yourself more with accepting responsibility than with assigning blame. “Let the possibilities inspire you more than the obstacles discourage you.” – Ralph Marsto
Choosing responsibility is your ability to respond when faced with a challenge, change, or crisis. It is to assess the situation and create a response. Contrary to common belief, responsibility is NOT to lay blame or point the finger at someone else. Taking responsibility does not excuse others for their ill behavior or misguided choices; it empowers you to become solution-focused rather than problem-focused.
For responsibility to occur, an organization must create an environment where people feel safe to be vulnerable and take the risk often needed to generate solutions. Below are three of the agreements needed to create a culture where individuals embrace the principle of 100% Responsibility:
1- Require that the individuals and teams find solutions rather than assign blame.
2- Encourage innovation and creative ideas. This only occurs in an environment where failure is seen as an opportunity to learn, grow and innovate. Individuals must feel safe to be vulnerable and take a risk.
3- Expect each individual to be accountable for assessing each situation, generating new ideas and implementing the best possible solution.
I invite you to be the change you desire to see. What steps can you take to embrace the Mindset Mastery Principle 100% Responsibility?
I would love to hear from you. Take a moment to share your thoughts on the article.
Blessings