Take The Rap

Sorry, but if the team screws up, it is entirely your fault. A good leader will always take the rap. It is easy to use your team or other external factor as an excuse, but it won’t wash.

You are the LEADER. If it all goes pear-shaped, you have to stand up and take the flack. It is very easy to say, “We didn’t meet our target because they….., but a good leader will say “We didn’t meet our target because I…… Yes, it is tough, really tough to do. It takes all confidence, courage, trust, and maturity.

Nothing generates more loyalty than a leader who’s prepared to stand up and say : “I take the responsibility”. If your boss sees you stand up and say :”We lost this contract and I take responsibility. These are the steps we’re taking to make sure it doesn’t happen again in the future”, they will not see a failure – they will see a future board member.

“It is easy to use your team as an excuse, but it won’t wash”

source : The Rules of Management – Richard Templar