ETERNALLY ACCOUNTABLE

"The people I respect most behave as if they were immortal and as if society was eternal."

E. M. Forster, 20th century English novelist.

They behave as though they would eternally be held accountable for what they say and do.

If only that were true for all of us all the time.

I Can Explain!

"The accidental reveals man."

Pablo Picasso

20th century Spanish painter

Accidents do happen but if you find you are often explaining your failures as being the result of things beyond your control . . .

Whether stated clearly as such or not, one of management's greatest responsibilities is to reduce "accidents".

Prepared To "Go The Distance"?

"The end justifies the mean."

Unattributed proverb
(Click to enlarge)

"I did what it took to win" has a "conquer all" quality to it that appeals to many, until, in many cases, you examine what "it" was, concluding you wouldn't have gone that far.  

How (do) you draw the line in terms of what you will and will not do to "win"?

I would particularly like to hear from defense attorneys on this.

The Power of Accountability

"No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible."

Stanislaw Lec
Early 20th Century Polish Poet

"I didn't do it."
"It wasn't me."
"Everyone (no one) did (didn't) do it too."
"What could I do?"
"Somebody will do it"

What could we accomplish if everyone took personal, up close responsibility, not only for their actions but for the overall success of the organization?