VFA LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Accept responsibility for your actions...
We've had it drilled into our heads that actions have consequences. So why are
people surprised when the consequences are less desirable than they anticipated?
Take it from Albert Einstein: "Man must cease attributing his problems to his
environment and learn again to exercise his will -- his personal responsibility."
When people fail to take responsibility for their own actions, the blame game
begins. There's always a scapegoat nearby, but that strategy doesn't take long to
unravel.
"A sign of wisdom and maturity is when you come to terms with the realization
that your decisions cause your rewards and consequences. You are responsible for
your life, and your ultimate success depends on the choices you make."
Responsibility -- like discipline -- is one of those words that has been pounded into
our heads so many times from authority figures that we often turn a deaf ear. That's
a big mistake. Accepting responsibility is an indication of good character.
In your work life, it is certainly also a major asset. The boss or employee who says
"The buck stops here" earns the trust and respect of managers and co-workers.
"Peak performance begins with your taking complete responsibility for your life
and everything that happens to you."
Understand that responsibility is earned. It's not something you're entitled to. If
someone is hesitant to give you additional responsibility, it might be because
you've been nonchalant with the responsibilities you already have. A responsible
person does what they said they'd do, because they said they would. Period.
So if you want to be seen as more responsible, think about the responsibilities you
already have, and take them more seriously, no matter how pointless they might
seem. Consider it a way to pay your dues.
Below are a few behavior traits that need to be developed in order to accept
personal responsibility:
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Seek out and accept help for yourself.
Be open to new ideas or concepts about life and the human condition.
Refute irrational beliefs and overcome fears.
Affirm yourself positively.
Recognize that you choose your responses to the people, actions and events
in your life.
Let go of anger, fear, blame, mistrust and insecurity.
Take risks and become vulnerable to change and grow in your life.
Reorganize your priorities and goals.
Realize that you are the party in charge of the direction your life takes.
Moral: When you take responsibility you take control of your life.
FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA
www.firecoach.org