Leadership in Action: Responsibility

Leadership in Action: Responsibility

Prepared by Ryan Warren @ryanwarren

When I’m talking with a leader, one thing that is always communicated be that directly or indirectly, is the rules they adhere to. We all have them. One of my mentors even took it so far as to write a book titled The Three Rules by Michael Raynor. Worth mentioning that for him, the third rule is that “there are not other rules.”

I’d like to propose that the “rules” we each adhere to as leaders communicate our value for personal responsibility.

Responsibility Rule: 95% = 0%

Ever heard of the 95%=0% Rule when it comes to accountability and responsibility? It’s simple and quite powerful.

If a leader only accepts 95% responsibility in a situation under their area of influence, they really are accepting 0% of it. There are not partial claims, no halfway ownership when it comes to healthy leadership.

Leaders who have an ownership mentality show up and do so with the intention that 100% of the responsibility for their choices in how they talk and act begin and end with them. 

How A Responsible Mindset Improves The World

Is it possible that leaders who display ownership and 100% responsibility for themselves communicate intentionality and care in a way not available to leaders who show up looking to place blame and shy away from where they should be owning the pen?

It can be a tough reality for some. Moving from “who can I blame” to “who can I help.” Taking the time to see what the situation is calling for and how they can be a part of the solution and not further the problem with a casual approach. 

No, I’m not saying that leaders have to walk around like The Terminator all the time. What I am saying is that powerful people take ownership of their words and actions in a way that can both build and inspire confidence among the teams they are leading.

What would the world look like if every leader took ownership of their responsibilities and business? What would our teams look like if each team member did that? It’s a possibility that far exceeds imagination. It’s possible. Leaders more and more are stepping into a place of 100% ownership - and choosing to show up as a full version of themselves.

What’s possible for a leader that intentionally chooses responsibility?

I mentioned some of the benefits in the section above yet there are even more possibilities for leaders who choose to be responsible for their choices.

• Leaders can model and display among their own teams that taking responsibility is not only possible but the standard.
• Leaders can grow in relationships with other leaders as they support and encourage one another when taking 100% responsibility gets challenging.
• Leaders can positively influence their surroundings as they raise their level of responsibility from 25% to 50% to 75% to 95% to fullness of saying “I’ll step up. This begins and ends with me. That’s 100% and that’s the only % that counts in responsibility.
• Leaders promote their team members in times of success when they give back 100% of the success to their team. This isn't a false identity as a leader. Think of all the great sports captains who in the post-game interview say something like, “I couldn't have done this without the help of my teammates and coaches.” That’s what responsible leadership can sound like.

It can be a tough realization when we realize that we haven’t owned up to 100%.

Have an idea or thought to share on leadership responsibility?

In what ways do you take on 100% of what you are responsible for within your own life?

How does this impact your business?

Are you currently facing any challenges that could be the result of you taking on less than 100% responsibility? 

I’d like to hear your thoughts on this topic: [email protected]