One of the most important things we teach new leaders is to take responsibility.  When things don’t go right we usually want to shift the blame.  But good leaders immediately look in the mirror and ask, “what could I have done differently to make this a success?”

When we learn to consistently take responsibility in leadership it makes us better everyday.  We no longer have someone else to point the finger at when a ball drops or something doesn’t work right.  Taking responsibility keeps us sharper and it always keeps us thinking in terms of our role in the task, or the project, and even the bigger-picture vision.  Taking responsibility simply keeps your head in the game.

Let’s quit pointing fingers and start taking responsibility.  It will make you more effective and it will strengthen everyone around you.