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Things go wrong. New products fail to intrigue the customers. An
important game is lost to a team with little or no talent. The big idea
you sold the boss on blows up in your face. Moreover, things go wrong
you have little control over. An employee is seriously injured as a
result of cutting a corner. A subordinate leader and his team did not
complete a critical action on time.
Toughest Part of leading
The hardest part of being a leader is not side-stepping the dart to
the heart, that will, inevitably, be thrown by your superiors. It is
standing up and taking responsibility and being accountable for
EVERYTHING your team or those under your charge did or failed to do.
I am not saying absorb the pain of the uncomfortable position you
find yourself in without passing some of the pain to those who
perpetrated the foul. Corrective action is required. Take the necessary
corrective measures.
CAUTION
Taking corrective action does not necessarily mean it is punitive
action. There are appropriate moments for disciplinary action, e.g.
willful disregard of direction, company policy or breaking the law. In
my experience, problems happen from failures in communications or flaws
in the process. Be sure of what caused the problem before you decide on
the appropriate corrective action. Focus on what matters. Focus on the
objective, not the subject. Be sure to look in the mirror first,
remember, you set the example others follow. Are you setting the right
example?
Conclusion
When things go wrong, and things always go wrong. Your ability to
remain focused on what matters, the objective, keep your head, not point
fingers, and take appropriate action will earn you respect from
superiors, peers and subordinates. In the long run, you will be
recognized as a leader of substance, worthy of emulation and promotion.
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