Looking back over the past 36 years of personally directing employees has taught me a lot. I would like to admit, I did do many things right, and oh, did I make some horrific mistakes as well in my leadership style!
Would I do some things differently if I had it to go over? Absolutely! There are many common threads, regardless of location or assignments, as it relates to human behavior. We as technicians, managers or entrepreneurs all have varying similarities in our actions and views.
Often our methods are very different but historically our goals are the same, we want to make forward progress. Whether I take this path or that one really doesn’t matter as long as we are not taking advantage of others to get there.
If you are a team player everybody will join in to assist you in any way possible. If you are just seeking the accolades and recognition individually you will be found out equally as fast.
We could not possibly spend enough time covering all scenarios and I feel pretty confident we could add situations that are unique in nature that would alter the outcome to most debates; I’m not referencing those situations. I’m merely stating a broad-brush opinion here. “We Need To Take Personal Responsibility”.
It simply amazed me when there would be a contentious situation, how defensive everyone would become. It’s as though you are attacking someone physically.
Normally, during my due diligence or discovery process it would appear that most employees wanted to “strap on the gloves” to defend themselves. I concede that no one wants to be falsely accused or reprimanded for an action that occurred beyond his or her control.
But here is an interesting observation. When someone was confronted by me and they immediately became defensive and was quick to cast the blame in another direction, they almost invariably were guilty when all the cards were revealed.
A level 5 leader is someone who waits patiently, gathers the facts and seeks advice from trusted advisors before acting after being confronted on a controversial topic.
This is the behavior of a seasoned veteran in any public setting. These veterans know how to take personal responsibility and quickly advance to leadership in whatever arena they find themselves.
Are you a “Level 5 Leader”?
Are you man enough to take the heat?
Will you admit fault even when it cost you something?
You may not understand completely all the ramifications of how a situation may end but here are a couple things that I’m very confident in:
- Always take the high road.
- Keep your focus on the bigger picture.
- Be a man of complete honesty and integrity.
- Have character beyond reproach.
And then, when you lay down on the pillow tonight you will know that you have done all things in your power to take personal responsibility.
If I can help you discern where you are at in accepting personal responsibility, please let me know. I have created a tool for “free” that might help you. Follow this link to a “Personal Assessment” and hopefully it will help you.
http://info.viewfromthetop.com/personal-assessment
Live on purpose,
Aaron
