Sep

11

How leaders take responsibility

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It amazes me how many people try avoid responsibility. Leaders take responsibility, bottom line! responsibility is described on Wiktionary as “The state of being responsible, accountable, or answerable.” and responsible is described as being “answerable for an act performed or for its consequences; accountable; amenable, especially legally or politically.” Leaders who are not responsible shift blame and as a result become ineffective, losing the respect of their followers.

Leadership is about making choices and being responsible, it’s about being answerable for who we are and what we do. The actions of leaders matter! And because the actions of leaders matter, they are answerable for the consequences of their actions.

Accepting responsibility as a leader requires that we:

  • Accept that we are responsible for the choices we make.
  • Accept that we are responsible for how we feel.
  • Accept that we are responsible for what we think.
  • Accept that we are responsible for what we do.
  • Accept that we are responsible for the goals, direction and vision for our life.
  • Accept that we cannot blame others for the decisions we’ve made.
  • Accept that we are responsible for who we are.
  • Accept that we are responsible to initiate change.

Leaders, more than anyone, need to accept responsibility for what they see. As leaders; we see the future, we see how things can be different, we see how things can be better, we see the possibilities. I believe that along with these visions or insights comes responsibility. Mohandas Gandhi said we have the responsibility to be the change we want to see in the world and to be the change we want to see in others.

When it comes to responsibility it’s my personal belief that leaders should be held to a higher standard. The reason I feel strongly about this is because the decisions leaders make given their position, influence and authority affects the lives of many. As a principle, practicing leaders choose daily to be responsible for who they are and how they act.

The Responsibilities of Practicing Leaders

  • Leaders are responsible for what they see. This means they’re responsible for the vision of their team, their organisation and the results that they achieve.
  • Leaders are responsible to initiate communication. Leaders initiate communication proactively. When mis-communication occurs and gossip is rife, it’s the responsibility of leaders to clear the air and communicate.
  • Leaders are responsible for setting the example. Leaders take responsibility to set the example, being the change they want to see in others. Leaders understand that their actions are amplified by their followers and set higher standards for themselves. Practicing leaders are committed to becoming great people, people of character, living true to their values and demonstrating commitment.
  • Leaders are responsible for the results. Leaders are responsible for the results, a leader’s results are a reflection of his leadership ability, no excuses and no blame.
  • The buck stops with leaders. No excuses and no blame. Leaders don’t blame others for the situation they’re in and they don’t make excuses for poor results. They understand that the fish rots from the head down and take responsibility to make the difference.
  • Leaders provide focus and set priorities. Leaders focus their teams and organisations on what’s important. The keep the focus and maintain priorities, making decisions and removing obstacles.

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Comments

2 Responses to “How leaders take responsibility”

  1. Tim on September 11th, 2006 8:53 PM

    I think every politician and business leader needs to read this article! You nail it like a carpenter.

  2. The Practice of Leadership » How leaders change and in turn, change the world… on September 13th, 2006 8:44 PM

    [...] Leaders take responsibility for initiating change and change begins in leaders first. Leaders are responsible for what they see. What changes do you see are needed in your country, your organisation, your home, your life? Be that change, live your vision, become the solution, be the living example……. Practice leadership…… Everyday…. [...]

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