Accepting Responsibility

There comes a time in every leader's life when the problems of the team become their problems.  What to do?  Why does this happen?

As the leader, you have already accepted responsibility for the team and their results (see, I did not say actions).  Your role is to guide them to success through execution of the plan or project.  There will be a time when the team gets stuck and the problem becomes yours.  Have a look at the reasons you now own the problem:

• was the direction unclear
• were the steps not cohesive
• were all the roadblocks anticipated, examined and resolved
• were all the stakeholders involved

Now - push the problem back to the team.  Unless it is one of funding or lack of people-power, you really can't solve their issue.  You can guide them through it.  That is what you do as the leader.


Here are 2 great books to read that can help you with the struggle of accepting the problems of others: