In any business situation, there comes a time to bring to a close deliberations, discussions, and analysis, and to take action. If you're not officially cast in a management role of your organization, taking independent action can be a scary proposition--after all, it would be much easier to wait for your boss to not only make the decision but to take responsibility for it as well. However, today's organizations cannot afford to employ workers who simply wait to be told what to do. If your business is to thrive in the coming years, it needs workers who are willing not only to take chances and to make decisions but also to take actions and responsibility for their actions. Fortunately, most managers welcome such initiative, and they are increasingly willing to give their employees more responsibility, autonomy, and authority in their jobs.
We're all responsible for our own actions. This fundamental belief is the foundation for all individuals who take initiative and control of their lives. You can be a victim of your circumstances--complaining, feeling sorry for yourself ,and believing that life is unfair--or you can rise above the negative elements of the current circumstances,be accountable for your action, and focus on what can be done to improve or cor rect the situation.
Here are some tips for taking responsibility for your actions.
Do what you say you'll do. Be a person of your word. Complete tasks in timely fashion. Don't rely on others to remind you of your commitments, and don't wait to begin a task until it is due. Have a system for staying on top of your commitments, and take the steps necessary to assure successful completion. If you can't fulfill a commitment, tell others prior to the deadline, or seek help to meet your schedule. Finish what you agree to take on.
Own up when you have made a mistake. If you blame another person, a system, or an event for something you did wrong, others will not trust you. Don't participate in the “ blame game,” even if coworkers play it. People will think more of you (and more quickly forgive you) if you are quick to claim a mistake you made and are eager to focus on a solution to the existing situation. They will be suspicious of you and your intentions if you deny responsibility that turns out to be yours, and as a consequence may distrust what you say or avoid working with you.
Don't make excuses for yourself or for others. Deliver what you promise and expect others to do the same. Always strive to do your best and expect the best from others. If there is a problem, find out why it occurred and use the facts to develop a solution. Be responsive when following up on problems--especially with customers. Don't accept low-uality work from yourself or others. Don't rationalize.
