From Blame to Ownership: The Real Leader’s Approach

If you’ve ever led through a crisis or challenge, you know the weight of having everyone look to you for guidance. It can be intimidating. Too many leaders respond by pointing fingers or shutting down. Real leaders, though, seek ownership.

Did you lead through COVID? Or during the Great Recession? I vividly remember leading during 2008 when we faced a 30% drop in our client base. Blaming the banks, national leaders, or the economy wouldn’t have changed anything. Shutting down would have meant closing our doors.

So, what did ownership look like?

I could control my attitude.

We could rally the team.

We could cut costs.

We could think creatively.

So that’s exactly what we took ownership of.

Cutting Costs: We implemented a hiring freeze, negotiated a temporary rent reduction, and deferred non-essential maintenance.

Rallying the Team: Our leadership team found renewed energy in brainstorming ideas, supporting one another, and fostering mutual belief.

Investing in People: As a service-based business, training was crucial, and it directly impacted our customer experience.

Creative Advertising: We partnered with the local library to offer a special experience at our facility as a reward for their reading programs. This initiative brought joy during tough times and hundreds of new visitors through our doors.

What happened next? In just a few years, our customer base more than doubled. The staff training program we created became a cornerstone of growth for over a decade. Our leadership developed deeper trust and resilience for future challenges.

If you want breakthrough, ask yourself, “What do I own in this situation?”

The problem or challenge may stem from others, the organization, or external factors beyond your control. Yet, there is always something within your control. Focus on that.

Consider these questions:

• What do I own?

• What options do I have?

• Whose support do I need?

• What action do I want to take?

There’s an old adage: “Leaders share the credit and take the blame for everything that goes wrong.”

I suggest we refine that to: “Leaders share the credit and take ownership of the challenges.”