The blame game is an easy one to play.
It feels good, it can be justified, and it’s the perfect cop out for giving up and giving in.
Blamers exaggerate the negative, feel like victims, and are quick to point fingers at everyone but themselves.
It’s also the number one career limiting weakness according to Kerry Goyette, president of Aperio Consulting and a certified professional behavior analyst.
But breaking the habit first requires honesty and ownership.
You have to recognize and overturn the assumptions that enable blame-shifting:
Assumption: “I did everything I could and I’m not responsible for the outcome.” Did you really? An honest after-action discussion will yield some valuable and teachable alternatives and findings.
Assumption: “I was powerless and lacked control.” Accountability is everyone’s job. If you see something, say something.
Assumption: “Everyone is bad, mean, and out to get me.” Don’t going borrowing trouble. It’ll find you soon enough. Think the best of people unless they prove otherwise.
Next, put your problem-solving cap on and get to work.
Acknowledge the skills, control and influence you do have – and use them!
Have a great week.
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