September 2005
Whoever Inc.
Once upon a time, four brothers got jobs at Whoever Incorporated. Their names were Somebody, Everybody, Nobody, and Anybody.
Everybody was sure Somebody would do it because Anybody could do it, but Nobody did it.
Everybody got angry because Somebody should have done it, and Somebody blamed Everybody because it was Everybody's job.
Thus, Everybody blamed Somebody, and Somebody blamed Everybody, but Nobody did what Anybody could have done in the first place.
Workplaces and homes have tasks that nobody likes to do. One key to harmony and efficiency lies in the willingness of somebody to take responsibility, even when it seems easier to leave it for somebody else.
Responsibility Revealed
A community’s response to a disaster depends on the preparation and decisiveness of its governments, organizations, and individuals.
Leaders have a responsibility to design sound plans, clearly communicate who is responsible for details, and implement the appropriate response. Those under authority must understand how their roles fit into the big picture and take initiative to fulfill their duties and protect themselves and others.
In more ordinary circumstances, business leaders prepare their personnel to respond to customers by giving specific instruction and by setting an example with customers and employees.
When one of life's "pop quizzes" comes along, whether it involves a hurricane hitting a major city or a flurry of customer activity just before lunch, individuals will react according to the habits they have developed and organizations will function as efficiently as their planning and commitment to excellence will allow.
As you evaluate your responsibility and the responsibility of those under your influence, recognize how faithfulness in little things today is the best predictor of faithfulness in larger assignments tomorrow and how today's little lapses can become tomorrow's incompetence.
Do not allow yourself to make soft choices when you need to think through next week's agenda or check whether you and your team have what you need. Prepare workable systems, but do not relax your ethical standards or lower your commitment to excellence, even when the extra effort does not seem necessary. Take time to prepare personally, and help others by defining clear expectations and checking to make sure they are ready.
When situations arise, take responsibility to do what is needed. Do not procrastinate or hope the problem will go away.
You will probably still feel overwhelmed from time to time, but whatever happens, do what you can to put yourself and your team in position to succeed.
Lessons From the Storm
No doubt your children know something of the tragedy that resulted from Hurricane Katrina. Disasters bring into sharp relief the unpredictability of life, and you as a parent or teacher have an opportunity to help your children draw lessons from this tragedy.
These examples should motivate us to ask ourselves how we would respond if we experienced a similar disaster. Here are several questions you can ask your children at the dinner table or in the car.
- What do you think about Hurricane Katrina?
- How do you think it would feel to lose everything you own?
- What do you think about the stealing and fighting? Is that the right response?
- How should you respond if something bad happened to you?
- Can you think of a way to help the people who have lost everything?
- What are some disasters that could happen where we live?
- How can we prepare in case something happens?
Help the children around you overcome the tragedies of life. Now is the time to develop the character to respond constructively when battered by life's storms.
By Robert Greenlaw
Developing Communities of Character
Next Wednesday evening, September 21, participants from 7 countries and 15 states will gather to learn and discuss how to develop a community-based character emphasis.
Highlighted speakers for the 2005 International Building Cities of Character Conference include Arizona State Treasurer David Peterson, Ohio County Commissioner Phil Heimlich, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, Mrs. South Carolina 2005 Niki Wartenburg, and Character First! Founder Tom Hill.
Insights gained at this conference will enhance each participant's ability to communicate and reinforce integrity throughout the community.
Limited space is still available. For more information, visit www.charactercities.org/bcoc.
