Just sharing arcticle from Dr Terry Paulson a US-based keynote motivational speaker and author of "The Dinner,50 Tips For Speaking Like A Pro and They Shoot Managers, Don't They?
GOOD leaders take more than their share of the blame and less than their share of the credit. Unfortunately,most leader take more than their share of the credit and less than their share of the blame. They are not respected. And when errors occur,even in the face of failure.
For example JIM case. After only 2 weeks on the job,he had made a critical error that took the company coumputer system down. He went to hiss boss immediately and said: " I think I just made a big mistake." She replied: "I'm sure it is not as big as you thinks it is." He confided: "I think it could be bigger."
Her eyes grew large as JIM describe the system crash and his lack of a data backup. In the midst of the problem-solving, her boss, the division manager entered the room and found out what happened. For 15 minutes, he yelled at her for JIM mistake.
JIM was sure he was history. All he could think of was that, at least, his resume was current, he would not even have to admit that he had ever worked at this company!
JIM boss took the heat for his mistake. Not once did she even mention his name. It must have been tempting. All she had to do was to point her finger at JIM and say: "He's the problem. He's new and he's defective.
After the division manager ran out of steam, he said: "This shouldn"t have even happened. JIM's boss replied: "It did, and I take full responsibility. But every minute we are spending here means we are that much later in getting the system back up.
The division manager left the room,leaving JIM alone with his boss.
She did not look at him. Instead,she stared at the door,closed her eyes and took a couple of deep breaths.She opened her eyes and smiled. She looked at him and said: "Don't do that again.".
JIM all but fell over his own words of apology. She stopped him,saying: "I think you are going to remember the importance of backup. And if this continues to be a problem, we will have a different kind of conversation.
"But you came in and owned up to your mistake. A lot of people don't do that. I respect that. You're the kind of person I want working on my team. Now, I'm going to need your help to get this system back online.
So,that is how working culture we want right?
Moral of the story, Leadership may not be as complicated as people make it to be and good leader also win the respect and loyalty of their staff.