As I work with business leaders, one of their most common desires is for the people on their team to take more responsibility. Here are two insights on how this can be accomplished:
Model the behavior of taking responsibility. Look in the mirror when there are failures, miscommunications, and balls dropped. Yes, this is not easy. This will require that we "get off of being right" and focus way more on what is right and what works. I know you might be thinking "But, Matt, if I take responsibility for everything then I just create a scape goat for my people." This is false. When someone takes responsibility, it only makes others around them want to do the same (if not, then you have an entirely different issue with the type of people you have hired).
Make space for people to make mistakes. Is it okay to make mistakes? Of course it is. If it's not okay, then what is it? This is an AND... And we want the people we care about to also avoid mistakes because of the ensuing consequences. Make sure the people on your team know that they can make mistakes. When this is not clear, people are very hesitant to step up and lead out by taking responsibility because of the fear of failing. Our 8 year old son participated in orchestra class all of last year. This year he would not even consider it. As we dug a little deeper to find out why, it was because he did not feel like he could make mistakes.
When people do not feel like it is safe to make mistakes, engagement and responsibility decrease.
Use your presence and your language to create an environment where it is okay to make mistakes. Then watch people grab up responsibility!
Today is the day.
You got this!
Matt Herrington
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