$Account.OrganizationName
Your Success Thought on "Responsibility"
March 16, 2005

While 'responsibility' is a key to success for some of you, I know it's also the source of failure for others. Two mistakes we make with 'responsibility' are: 1) taking on too much and 2) taking on too little. The mastery lies in the assessing the proper amount for your situation. Today, let's explore taking on too much.

Most often attributed to women, men also take on the 'God' role of feeling responsible for everyone and everything that happens in their presence. "If it's going to be, it's up to me!" This is rarely the case. True success comes faster and easier when responsibility is shared.

What are the costs in taking on too much responsibility?

  • Creativity-you're too weighed down come up with exciting novel approaches.
  • Expansiveness-what incentives do those around you have to shine brilliantly?
  • Money-two minds are better than one. Let others build upon your ideas.
  • Fun-what's the fun of being where the buck stops each and every time?
  • Freedom-empowering others frees you up to explore other avenues.
  • Energy-being solely responsible is exhausting.

    • Just because you can, doesn't mean you have to. As with a child, you are ready and willing to take responsibility yet the way they'll grow is to take it upon themselves.

    Powerful leaders enjoy a healthy sense of responsibility. They know how much to accept. Then they surround themselves with responsible individuals whom they trust to get the job done on their own. Malcom Forbes writes: "Those who enjoy responsibility usually get it; those who merely like exercising authority usually lose it."

    How do you know when you have crossed over the line between being appropriately responsible and going overboard? Listen to your thoughts out loud. Truthfully, this may humor you. I often hear 'Wow, I've never said that out loud before. Now that I have, I see how insane it is to think that I am actually responsible for __________!"

    Next week we'll look at the costs of taking on too little responsibility. Chances are that you'll see yourself in both scenarios. For example, you can be too responsible at work and not enough at home and vice versa. We'll explore how you can create balance. Stay tuned!

    For those of you who border on the edge of being too responsible, ease off a bit this week and see what results you create. Allow others to shine on your, and their behalf.

    Have a great week and enjoy your discoveries!

    Ann Golden Eglé, PCC, CPCC
    Executive Coach & President
    Golden Visions Success Coaching, LLC


    Welcome All New Subscribers As always, it's great to be in touch with our subscribers in 'eight' countries!! Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, Spain, United Kingdom, USA. If you receive these 'Thoughts' and live in a country that I have not mentioned, please let me know so I can salute you.

    Know of Someone Who Would Benefit From These Weekly Thoughts? Delight a friend or colleague by suggesting they subscribe to our free "Your Success Thought of the Week"! All they need to do is email their request to anngoldenegle@aol.com and say "TOTW - Add Me!" in the subject line.

    Copyright & Permission Copyright © 1998-2005 All rights reserved

    Permission is granted to either reproduce copy or distribute "Your Success Thought for the Week of March 16, 2005" so long as this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached. The author is Ann Golden Eglé, Golden Visions Success Coaching, LLC, 541.385.8887, 1972 NE 3rd St, Suite # 307 Bend, Oregon 97701, www.GVSuccess.com


    Phone: 541.385.8887 or toll free 1.877.821.0234
    Email Marketing by