The Pointing Finger | 5 Things Leaders Should Do Before Blaming
No one likes to have a finger pointed at them – either literally or figuratively.
There’s just something uncomfortable about the whole thing.
But, when it comes to pointing the finger at someone else… now that’s a different story.
Most of us don’t seem to mind that scenario so much.
Maybe it’s because we like to be “in charge.”
Maybe we just love being right.
Or, maybe we just don’t want to take the blame for anything.
It Starts With The Leader
The bitter irony in all of this for leaders, is that to truly grow in your leadership capacity, you not only have to be able to take the blame, but you have to be willing to point the finger at yourself.
You have to be willing to set aside your comfort in order to become a stronger leader.
I’ve seen many leaders (including myself) struggle with this concept.
But, there are some very important things leaders need to realize when it comes to blame and correction.
Leaders, First Consider…
So, Here are 5 things for leaders to consider before laying blame…
- It May Actually Be Your Fault: You may have single-handedly caused the problem. Accept responsibility quickly and work on how to get better.
- Respect Trumps Fear: Your organization or team might fear you, but they won’t respect someone who can never be wrong. You might be surprised how proficient your team members can be at smiling to your face and resenting you in their hearts.
- Blame Belongs To The Leader: If the blame lies with someone else, then it’s still your fault. You are the leader. You are only as good or as bad as the performance of your team. That means taking the good along with the bad. Go back to #1.
- Big Team / Little Me: If you think you bear no responsibility for what has gone wrong, your ego and self-preservation mentality has become bigger than the team. There may be short-term success, but this focus on self is contagious and will eventually cause a team to implode. After all, if just one person is more concerned with themselves than they are the mission, you are no longer a team. And, when that one person is the leader, long-term failure is guaranteed. Be a “team-first” leader!
- Be OK With Being Wrong: Leadership is filled with pressure, but the pressure leaders sometimes put on themselves to have to always be right is unbearable. Individuals who cannot admit they are wrong are some of the most miserable and unfulfilled people. By leaving the possibility open that you could be wrong – and admitting when you are – you display humility and gain respect from your team.
Point Correctly
So, if you want to grow as a leader, you need to learn to accept the blame when things don’t go well for your organization or team.
Examine yourself to see if you are setting a tone that is taking your team down the wrong path.
But don’t worry, you can still point the finger away from you… just be sure you’re in front of the mirror!
Lead well…
