Based on an article published by Shane Parrish titled, “The Difference Between Amateurs and Professionals,” I'm reflecting on some of his key points with today's discussion on:

“Amateurs blame others. Professionals accept responsibility."

I've heard it said, “Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the snake, and the snake didn't have a leg to stand on. And we've been saddled with blame ever since!"

In Jim Collins’ book, Good to Great, he talks about a level 5 leader as one “who blends extreme personal humility with intense professional will.” His metaphor for humility involves a window and a mirror. Great leaders look out the window at their team when something good happens to give them the credit rather than looking in the mirror to pat themselves on the back. They do look in the mirror, however, to accept responsibility when things don’t go as planned. Conversely, not-so-great leaders look in the mirror when things go well to self-congratulate and out the window at their team when things don’t go so well in order to shift the blame. 

Professionals accept responsibility for several reasons:

1. They are solution-oriented rather than problem-oriented. Amateurs focus primarily on the problem robbing themselves of precious energy to focus on potential solutions.
2. They realize the blame-game is a downward spiral that ends negatively. And it certainly does not lead to a solution!
3. They focus on where they can have influence rather than on something outside their control. They are responsible for themselves and what they can do to be part of the solution.
4. They realize that by owning problems they set a good example for those following them. People always perform better in a culture where responsibility replaces excuses.
5. They don't focus on fairness because they realize life has never been fair. A fixation on fairness reduces gratitude and creates victims rather than proactive leaders who bring justice and betterment to every situation they're in.

So how about you? Are you able to respond (“response-able”) or will you continue to play your victim card, blaming others, and remain in the miserable situation you find yourself in?