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“People are always blaming circumstance for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances.” George Bernard Shaw

Something has happened. You messed up. But hey, John messed up last week, and he managed to wangle his way out of it. So if you could just blame this one on time constraints, or perhaps Jane as she didn’t finish the draft correctly. Or maybe when James didn’t come back to you within the half hour you specified, that would have delayed you also, right?

Wrong! If you mess up, are late submitting a project, or get something wrong – It’s your fault! – own up to it!

A “Blame” culture is all too prevalent in organisations in Ireland. But it is not just up to the Owner or Managing Director to instill a healthy culture in an organisation.

Everyone has a personal responsibility for his or her professional conduct. Consider the potential cost to an organisation if there is a blame culture:

• People running around looking for scapegoats, be they colleagues or other factors
• Procrastinating, distractions, deadlines being missed
• Fear of sharing ideas, fear of being creative
• Managers or the company itself being blamed for problems
• Lack of insight for Managers
• Missed opportunities
• Endless committee and board meetings

Blame cultures are contagious – they can spread within organisations through customers, partners or other outside influences. Positive thinking results in positive behaviour. Behaviour is seen (actions speak louder than words), but does not define a person. Irish companies and organisations (especially public organisations) need to instill personal responsibility in their employees, and not fill the space with committees and boards so blame cannot be placed on one person.

Ever made a mistake?

Managing a team is not leading. Leading is achieved through vision, example and empowerment, and like charity, begins with self.

If you manage a business, own a business or have an influencing say in the running of a business, think about what culture you are supporting. If you find the points above resonate with you somehow, start changing your behaviour and lead by example.

Are you wondering right now how you could get “the others” to change? Stop! Concentrate on your personal responsibility, and how you can change.

Ask yourself “what can I take personal responsibility for today?” Question how you look to others, are they seeing your responsibility shine through?

What evidence are you providing to demonstrate that you are supporting personal responsibility?

What goals have you set recently, and are you prepared to be held accountable for achieving those goals?

I would love to hear your ideas, especially your answers to any of the questions above. So leave a comment below…