One of my coworkers gave me a shirt that says “It Is Jess’s Fault.” We laughed about it, but it’s something I tell my teammates they can say if they want/need to. Having that shirt made me ask myself why I tell them this and how it impacts my role in leadership. Here are my list of reasons in no particular order:
1. I am taking ownership and responsibility for my part in the big picture. While I’m not the perfect manager, leader, mom, anything, if I take responsibility then I get to learn from my mistakes. And I can celebrate the good things that happen.
2. Owning my part in a situation can encourage me to find ways to facilitate more of the good things, fix the bad things, and improve things in the future. Additionally, it allows me to think about my style of leadership and the influence I have on those around me.
3. I can progress the company, the world, myself by evaluating the part I play.
4. It gives my teammates a safe place to land. Especially, if they are nervous about a conversation or want to preserve a relationship, sometimes is helps to have a “fall guy.” And I am willing to have the hard conversations that may come from that. I am willing to take ownership and feedback in situations I have affected.