Someone leaves your church.
You say, “I agree, it really is a shame that they left.” Then, even if they had “issues,” you walk away and try to figure out what your piece of the responsibility pie is in this situation and grow from it.
An event comes off poorly.
You say: “Our team worked really hard, but I think we all agree it wasn’t our finest moment. Thanks for that feedback.” You get back to work … affirm what went right, and consider how to do it differently next time.
You’re scrambling to get a project done at the last minute.
You say: “I should have left more time for this. Sorry to have let you down with a late delivery.” You figure out how to manage your time better, allowing for unforeseen delays.
Your church hasn’t grown in three years.
You say, “I agree that I’d love our church to be growing again.” Then you sit down with your best leaders and figure out what you need to do to better realize your mission and refocus your strategy.
Question for you: Which of the two organizations described do you want to be a part of?
Exactly.
When you become a leader who accepts responsibility, your chances of being an organization that acts responsibly (and stops blaming) goes up significantly.
Accepting responsibility is a major step toward transformation.
What are you learning these days about accepting responsibility? What are some of the effects of living in a culture that accepts responsibility versus one that shuns it?
