Responsibility

Taking control of your Responsibilities

Taking control of your responsibilities begins with a complete understanding of what the word responsible means. I can cite several definitions from many sources and argue that those definitions do not do the word justice. For instance, one definition from merriam-webster.com is: the state of being the person who caused something to happen. : a duty or task that you are required or expected to do. : something that you should do because it is morally right, legally required, etc.”. The argument here is that this definition explains the word, but not the essence of it’s true meaning; when it comes to leadership.

The lesson is to understand that leaders have many responsibilities. However, responsibilities are the individual tasks required to achieve the vision of the department or organization. The amount of responsibility one has does not enhance an individual’s leadership ability. In fact the more responsibility you take on, the less effective you will be as a leader. Many times the failures of a leader can be placed upon the amount of responsibilities that is assumed. It could also be that certain responsibilities do not fit with the skills of the leader.

Leadership requires humility and having the understanding that you do not know it all. Having people who are brighter than you can make a world of difference when it comes to getting the job done. Learn to adjust and delegate responsibilities to those who are best skilled for them. Keep in mind that just because someone wants more or asks for a specific responsibility, does not justify giving it to them. The fact remains that a leader must identify who is best to follow through with certain responsibilities. Ensure you’re interacting often enough to stay mindful of their situations. Keep a watchful eye in the execution of their responsibilities and communicate any concerns that may be observed.

One of the most important responsibilities that leadership requires, is to develop the people around you. When you maintain this as the core of all your responsibilities; then you will find that the people who you’ve developed can effectively alleviate some of your responsibilities thus moving you into a position of accountability. To do this you would analyze and evaluate all the responsibilities required to achieve the task at hand. Understand how all the parts work together, identifying and communicating exactly what the definition of success would be. Remember that you cannot do it all. If you want to ensure your effectiveness as a leader, you must maintain control over your responsibilities.

Now that you have control over your responsibilities you will find that you are moving into the role of accountability. Balancing responsibility and accountability may be a strange concept because most people believe the two words are interchangeable and they mean mostly the same. Let's take a moment and discuss the differences between the two.

Accountability is the ability to take complete ownership of all the steps needed to promote the big picture. Responsibility is the understanding that you must perform certain tasks and functions that are required to move the situation forward. With accountability, you shoulder the burden of everyone’s actions around you, good and bad. Responsibility is ensuring everyone around you has the tools and information necessary to achieve their goals. The accountable leader will not accept praise but deliver it to those who deserve it. True leaders know how to manage their responsibilities, delegate additional responsibilities and advance themselves into the position of accountability. The accountable leader knows that when all is said and done, the success or failures of the people they lead rest squarely on them.

Understanding the difference between responsibility and accountability will help you on your journey to leadership. I encourage you to maintain a balance between the two. Focus on your responsibilities and be accountable for every result.