Pass the Buck

Have you ever heard the phrase “it’s not my fault”? Maybe you have even said it a few times. It seems as if there is a prevailing sense that people no longer want to take responsibility for their actions. People will find an excuse for everything. If they are late it is because of traffic. That may very well be the case but people need to allow extra time. It is better to get there early then late.

If you are a leader you even have more responsibility. You need to make sure the image you convey is one of honesty and integrity. You need to take responsibility for your actions. Leaders are also trying to pass the buck. They end up passing it down to one of their own people. This really makes the leader look bad.

As a leader it is your responsibility to know what your people are doing and to also make sure they understand what is expected of them. If they screw up then you should be the one to take the heat. You should be the one telling others that it is your fault; you didn’t train or educate your people well enough.

In basketball when there is a foul the person who committed the foul is supposed to raise their hand to let everyone know they were the one. You don’t see that as much anymore, instead you find them trying to make excuses or saying they didn’t do anything wrong.

Don’t be a “pass the buck” leader show some integrity by taking responsibility when you do something wrong and also take responsibility for your people when they do something wrong. Here are some things that will help you avoid passing the buck.

·         Let followers know what is expected of them.

·         If you mess up take responsibility.

·         Train your people properly on their job and expectations

·         Communicate with others

·         NO EXCUSES

I think we all at one time or another has found ourselves passing the buck. If we can follow these simple ideas we can avoid that problem of buck passing and become a leader with integrity and responsibility. Raise your hand and take responsibility.