Recently we’ve been inundated with bad news. It’s been fascinating to notice how it’s always due to the actions of someone else. As near as I can tell, the only senior people in the entire world who actually have the personal strength and moral fiber to take accountability for things that go wrong are the Japanese.
And they take accountability for all that occurs on their watch…whether they are personally responsible or not.
Taking responsibility in Japan actually means something. People resign their positions and offer abject apologies to the entire country and even the world for their failures.
Compare that to what is going on in the United States and Europe as we face ongoing economic storms. Not only do you never hear anyone accept any accountability for making poor decisions personally but they also continually do their best to foist any disaster off on the actions of someone else…often someone below them in the organization structure.
We have a culture where their is no accountability, no responsibility, and thus, we all wind up paying for the actions of the incompetent while they reap rewards as though they actually deserve them.
As we all know, the reward many of these people deserve is a nice long visit to a cell.
In government it’s even worse. Promises are made that are patently impossible while facts are ignored as ideology trumps reality. After all, who cares? Whatever bad results occur will certainly be someone else’s fault. Where is the accountability for failure? The accountability for poor decisions and bad judgement?
Meanwhile the world tumbles down around our ears. We bear the brunt of the failure.
Fight back. Bring full accountability to your organization…starting with yourself. Set an example of acceptance of responsibility and accountability for results…good or bad. Be an open and honest example of a better way of running your business, and the world.
You can make a difference. It all starts with the will to accept responsibility for your actions…and those of all who you lead. And to have the personal strength to accept whatever this leads to, reward or failure.
Set an example of a better way and become part of the solution. Your company, your community, and the rest of us will thank you.
Heard on NPR radio yesterday the fact that so many senior citizens in Japan are volunteering to help cleanup in the contaminated areas because they said it was their mess and they want to clean it up so the young folks who did not do this need to worry about it. Think that would happen here – doubt it.
Accountability not only in what we do but who we are. Thanks again Steve – right on target
Thanks for your comment Rick. I find it quite depressing to see how people in the United States have lost any ability to accept responsibility and act for the common…rather than their own…benefit. These people you mention in Japan are a true example of people willing to do good at risk to themselves for the benefit of all.