The Leadership Principle of Responsibility A faithful employee is as refreshing as cool water in summer.

The ability to reason and the freedom to choose are what make people capable of being responsible for their actions.  A responsible person can be trusted; they are dependable and accountable. It is not easy to find someone like this but when we do, we notice that their motivation is different from others. Two things that motivate responsible people are responsibility in itself and the feeling of accomplishment.

Only high quality people are motivated purely by responsibility without personal benefits or even with loss. They stand for their convictions no matter what others say or do, even if it costs them their friendships. They are motivated by ethics and principles that are worth fighting for, have a firm foundation that they live by, and don’t care if this makes them different or even risks their position or reputation. They are people of value and can be placed anywhere in our businesses or political arena. They are courageous men and women living their lives according to their beliefs.

The second motivator is simply the feeling of accomplishment.  Often there is no particular benefit gained except the satisfaction of attaining the objective. An example would be a very rich person who could spend his money golfing every day or traveling for the rest of his life. Instead he keeps doing business and working every day, even venturing into new things. Some people may think he does this because he’s greedy. He may be, but it is possible that he simply enjoys being responsible and likes to achieve new goals. This person may do what others say can’t be done, simply for the sake of doing it.

Being responsible is more than making a commitment. It is a value based belief, that becomes a way of life. It is a desire or an inner force that holds them accountable to themselves. They do things for the sake of getting them done or for the enjoyment of seeing them done. 

1. Other people see us as people of value.
2. There is satisfaction when we do things because of the commitment we have towards ourselves and those who trust us.
3. We do the best with what we have.
4. Trust is earned and we are known to be reliable.

Some characteristics of responsible people are:

1. They think long term. They try to see the big picture effects of their actions.
2. They do everything possible to make things better. They consistently go the “extra mile.”
3. They are trustworthy. They keep their word and keep the best interests of others at the forefront of their thinking.
4. They do not make excuses or try to justify their behavior to avoid accountability. Strong organizations are built by responsible people. They are focused on who they are and the mission at hand. They are the cornerstones on which to build a great society.

1. Take a hold of your own life. Be responsible to develop your character and accountable for your actions and decisions.
2. Build a good reputation by keeping your word and following through on commitments.
3. Seek to solve problems.
4. Be sensible and disciplined. Take care of your health, emotions, time and money.
5. Be rational. Behave according to reason. Do not allow anger and fear to control you.
6. Be supportive of the organization you are involved with even when friends or co-workers have adopted a negative attitude. Do not become part of the problem. Become part of the solution.
7. Be conscientious. What you say and do makes the difference. Take every opportunity to influence what is right.
8. Focus on ethics and principles. Responsibility is based on being accountable for your behavior to others. It is doing more than what is asked, it is doing what is right and avoiding involvement in what is not right. It is being motivated by conviction and inner strength, being faithful, serving others and in turn gaining a good reputation, a good name and leaving a legacy. Responsibility is an integral part of character. Education or riches are not necessary to develop this quality. If we want to be successful we need to learn to be responsible.

1. Do you consider yourself a responsible person?
2. What could you do to be more responsible in your current situation?

Evaluate yourself from 1 to 10	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Why did you give yourself this rating?
What benefits will you obtain by raising your rating?
What specific action can you put into practice to test the benefits of this principle?