Those who take responsibility for their outcomes do exponentially better.
They make a LOT more money, they have less anxiety and frustration, and they create massive momentum.
They enjoy their business a lot more, and seem to have less problems in their relationships with customers, employees, contractors and other key people.
But here’s the challenge ..
.. most people are unwilling to be accountable for their results.
One of the core issues in today’s world is that the vast majority of people avoid taking responsibility for their own outcomes. The attitude of entitlement is alive and well, and unfortunately keeps most people wallowing in failure and a lack of results.
I’ve noticed the “entitlement mentality” becoming even more obvious around the world. It’s a sickness – a disease that threatens the future of abundance and productivity.
Look at the rioting in areas of Europe – at the core, it’s an entitlement mentality that says “I don’t want to pay more taxes – I want to keep getting services, and maintain a low productivity, and I’m not willing to play a role in the solution”.
Of course, the government’s had a role to play in where things are, but the ONLY solution is to increase taxes and cut services. And people react as though it’s some kind of right they have to get something for nothing.
Frankly, it’s sickening to me, and why I’m so grateful that I am the captain of my own ship, and do not rely on anyone to feed or employ me.
Unions are another problematic disease in the business world. Years ago, the union was necessary to protect the worker from being exploited and taken advantage of, yet in today’s world, the role of the union is archaic.
The very base of union thinking is entitlement mentality. I should be paid more simply because I’ve been here longer than you. Who cares about productivity, contribution or anything else – I put in more time, and I deserve more money because of it.
Unions are creating a terrible drag on the economy, and it’s no surprise that many of the industries dominated by unions are also bankrupt – airlines and car manufacturers being just a couple of them.
I know some people will disagree with me, but the edges of our social fabric are being frayed right now by this poisonous thinking.
It’s Easier To Be a Victim Than Be Accountable
Accountability is the simple act of being responsible for whatever happens to you — good or bad. The challenge is that most people would rather choose NOT to accountable, and instead place blame, justify and rationalize why they’re not getting what they want in life. Quite frankly, it’s easier to wander through life and not take responsibility for what happens to you. It’s the economy. It’s my spouse. It’s the weather. It’s the politicians. This is the position most people take, including many entrepreneurs. In today’s world, it’s pretty easy to blame the “bad economy” for a lot of the problems business owners are facing. And yes, the economy is certainly a variable that has an affect. But the moment you start allowing “the economy” to be the reason for your business not growing or struggling, you’re on the path to failure. And the reason is that once you accept that the cause is external to you, control of your destiny is now out of your hands. And that’s another way of saying victim. Because you’re accountable, or a victim. You can’t be both. I’ve never met a successful entrepreneur who’s a victim. They claim responsibility for what happens to them at every level. In today’s economy, I have the fortune of coaching several entrepreneurs and business owners who are growing like crazy. Thriving, in a “bad economy”. Our own business just came out of one of the best months we’ve had in years, and we continue to grow very quickly. We’ve brought on several more people to the team, while most business owners are struggling. This isn’t because we’re any smarter or better — it’s because we are willing to take responsibility for our outcomes. That forces us to make different decisions. It allows us to impact what happens in our business. Like most entrepreneurs, we’ve had to adjust our business model, and change what we are doing. It’s not easy. It’s a hassle. It’s a pain in the ass, and takes work. And it’s working. Really well. What’s the alternative? Blaming the economy? Let me know how that works out for you.How To Become Accountable For Your Outcomes
If you’re sold on the idea that you MUST take responsibility for the results you get, the next question should be, “what’s the best way to do this?” In my experience, most people struggle to hold themselves accountable. They want to be accountable, but it’s very difficult to be your own guardian. The other major problem is that most people don’t get clear on what results they’re actually trying to achieve to begin with — and therefore never really know if they’ve achieved the results they’re after. So here are the 2 critical elements you need to ensure you remain accountable:- Set Clear Goals And a Vision of Exactly What You Intend To Achieve
- Have An External System To Hold You Accountable To Those Outcomes
62 Responses
I sooo needed to read this today! I know this about accountability, I just haven’t seen anyone write it so well-thank you. I am today looking at all areas of my life to clear up the wreckage of my past so i can be a part of the solution in growing our global economic success
Thanks. This is very timely for me and important both professionally and personally. Truth isn’t always fun but truth is truth and thank you!
The real disease in the business world is,lot of people have not their “why”,which can motivate them to make decisins,get out of the comfort zone, get the willing to take responsibility for their outcomesand life.
Hi Lea!
Thanks for sharing this. It is easy to find “motivation” when you have your mission, vision and purpose aligned. The tasks don’t seem like “work” anymore, just something that helps move us toward fuflilling the “why” we are here for.
In my experience this is the hardest of all and i can´t say that i´ve reached it.
the “WHY” that is.
Everything else will come more “easily” after that, totally agree.
Happened to me in one part of life, but after some time it has lost the meaning ;(
So true Lea.
Almost finished reading “Atlas Shrugged” , a great book that stresses the importance of meaning behind objects.
Its so hard for people – especially in Europe – to realize that the root of all evil is the “free” university that allows purpose-less study. Payed by tax money.
This post is about accountability, but more and more it seems to me that it belongs all in one big pot of a mindset that needs to be acquired to reach success.
I just read that too! It makes you think!
As a new ‘retiree’ I love what you are saying, except the part about unions. We can telk later about that!
I retired into a partnership with Profiles International. Partly because they will hold me accountable, and partly because I was tired of holding myself responsible in a unionized workplace where even Management avoided any shade of responsibility.
Perfect for me to hear this today Greg. Thank you so much. I’m in!
Great blog post Greg. I love how you just tell it like it is. I have a lot of respect for you for that. I know that even for myself, when times have been tough and the pressure is high, I have caught myself pointing to external factors on why things didn’t work out the way they were supposed to, or that I had hoped they would. I remind myself that if I’m going to point fingers, do it in the mirror. Cheers.
very helpful Greg; the part where you say, having an external system to hold you accoutable would make this thing really work. thanks for sharing.
We all should be proud of having millineries in the world; most of them may work for, or was a smart person using lots of imagination. What buds me jealousy from some people; that having nothing, lazy and very good spenders. But again; many people still could be on the same standers, if apply the on ideas, and many of them to good to be forget about it, put in practice. Many times also exist some people with greater ideas; afraid of show what kind of knowledge rely have, or some not yet feel it is the right time to do so. I just like many to read my words. Be yourself with the ideas; and at the same time, as longer you not hart anybody in many ways, go forward with your ideas; even so towards science to try help for a better world. A.Oscar
I really agree with you! You have written this message very clearly and I hope that as many as possible will read this. Thank you!
Thank you for this VERY timely blog!! I have been “self employed” for years, and resisted being accountable to anyone, even myself.Just recently the company started an on-line weekly accountability program that you could “opt out” if didn’t want to participate. Of course I didn’t want to appear uncooperative so am participating. Wow!! What an eye-opener to realized how much time I was “working” but not spending it on the personal activities that would move my business forward!
It is like you have been reading my mind, so true!
Greg, thanks for the reminder of how powerful of a creator I really am. I am very clear on my direction and share it with my power teams and inner circle. I achieve 100% of the things I put on paper and share with someone else to hold me accountable. It’s real easy to sit on the fence and not go “All In” on something and therefore have an excuse if something goes wrong. Adversely if I map out a plan, share with my team exactly where we are going, It seems to be easier to have focus and enough vision to make it a reality.
Again thank you for the reminder, I’ve been reading your blogs for about 6 months now and would really like to connect with you in some way to further my way of thinking.
thanks,
Cary Robarge
You are a Genious! Thank you for delivering the missing element
Love, Natalia
Greg, It is sooo refreshing to find Buddhism, (The law of cause & effect) applied to the world
of business. Thanks for sharing your insights. With appreciation, Thomas Turbyne
I agree with what you are saying. My husband is a union officer and he is trying to do stand up for the people, but gets really frustrated at their entitlement attitude. Our county workers are now working nearly 2 years without a contract. The county is crying poverty while employing a high power lawyer to go through the contract word by word for the past 18 months. The county workers under this CSEA contract include many offices, social services, office of the aging, highway department, courthouse workers, and in another contract, hospital employees and the sherrif’s department. As you can see this is affecting a lot of people.
I am fortunate to have my own in home business. The income I make is directly related to the amount of work I choose to do and is not dependent on county legislators or unions. We are however affected by their decisions. I can’t solve their problems, but I can control what I do. I applaude my husband who is trying to be fair to all while realizing how we all need to look at what is necessary and what we’ve just grown acustomed to having. He is one who, despite the fristration, is willing to stand up for something he believes in. This is saying a lot for someone who, by nature, tries to avoid conflict. We have had to streamline our wishes and not waste as much hard earned $$, really thinking about what it took to earn it.
This past month when I set a goal for myself to earn enough $$ so we could fly to NC to visit our daughter and our only granddaughter over Thanksgiving. Once I made that decision, and put in the work, I have put together 4 of the best weeks I have had in a while. We have other demands for our money that have to be taken care of first (like filling an empty fuel oil tank), so my challenge has been to stay focused on the goal and the road map to get there. The important thing, I have found, is to have a goal you can feel passionate about, not just an abstract wish that would be nice if it happened.
I have enjoyed reading your emails.
Tricia K
Awesome comments Tricia. And you’ve exemplified the difference between the entrepreneur mindset, and the entitlement mindset. You’re looking at options, opportunities and ways of adding value. Unions look at scarcity, protectionism, and disconnect the fundamental thread between value and money. Unions restrict, contract, and create artificial boundaries and rules. And therein lies the problem.
NLP talks about preediting and previewing your outcome, and in these mock sessions that happen in your mid, make the necesary changes till you have the right behaviour on your behalf and the right outcome. It is a sort of preaccountability that might work and help people to face their responsability.
Dear Greg. This is soooooo well written, I applaud you. I believe every sentence you wrote deep within my heart and we need others to join the “Accountability Train”. I’m on that train and call for others to join me. I’ll be happy to share my 4 step plan which can get anyone on track if they are willing to make a commitment to something. Thanks much! Clare S 352-245-0245
Being engaged in the process is important to (especially for quality). Focus on results can be a problem (especially at first).
Responsibility and accountability are slightly different I think.
Greg, I love this article…. I was just thinking about someone I was coaching informally, and that all they wanted to do was whine about why things weren’t working for them to achieve the results they wanted. I gently tried to encourage them to take responsibility and act accordingly, however, maybe I should have said “if you want to whine so much, you’re not really leaving any room for you to believe you can actually change that thing you hate — and if you don’t believe that, then it’s probably not going to change.
I applied this and changed my world from failure to success. It was like plugging a hole in a dyke, still acccountanility is like peeling an onion many levels to it.
I’ve set clear goals and have an external system (including an army of implacable family members!), for keeping me accountable. So, Thanks but No thanks, Gary Blair. (Besides, fast-talking salesmen repel me.)
‘Accountability’ reminds me of W. Mitchell, who survived two horrific accidents. After months (years?) of intensive care and rehabilitation, he wrote a memoir: ‘It’s Not What Happens To You, It’s What You Do About it’.
Actually, you’re not necessarily responsible for whatever happens to you. (Mitchell wasn’t responsible for the truck that swerved across his path and nearly killed him). But you ARE responsible for what you do about it. (Mitchell refused to accept the ‘victim’ option, he took responsibility for his future, and he’s now an inspiring motivational speaker: http://www.wmitchell.com).
Notwithstanding that we are all responsible for how we handle life’s challenges, the entitlement mentality persists, not only among some union members and aspiring enterepreneurs, but also among corporate finance elites. Following numerous taxpayer-funded bailouts, I recall not one instance of ‘mea culpa’ from this sector, nor any reduction in their assumed entitlement to pay themselves enormous bonuses.
In 2008, US Congressman Ron Paul wrote, ‘In bailing out failing companies, they are confiscating money from productive members of the economy and giving it to failing ones. . . An essential element of a healthy free market, is that both success and failure must be permitted to happen when they are earned. But instead with a bailout, the rewards are reversed – the proceeds from successful entities are given to failing ones. . . we need to reject corporate cronyism, and allow the natural regulations and incentives of the free market to pick the winners and losers in our economy, not the whims of bureaucrats and politicians.’
In 2000, a World Bank report stated: ‘Governments and, thus ultimately taxpayers, have largely shouldered the direct costs of banking system collapses.’
Great article, Greg! I absolutely agree that it all comes down to personal responsibility and accountability. It seems that the entitlement disease is spreading out of control. Unless we look at our personal programs of entitlement and greed, we are contributing to the problem, too. No one owes us anything. We need to work diligently and smartly in order to succeed. We need to do whatever it takes in an ethical way to serve our customers needs and create value for ourselves and for them. All transactions must be a win-win for everyone. By having the attitude that the ultimate responsibility is ours, and ours alone, we will ultimately succeed.
I’m going to be the person who disagrees with you about unions, however. When unions were first being formed in the early 1900’s there were terrible working conditions for men, women and children. Incredible injustices were righted because of unions. By the 1960’s and ’70’s unions had become a driving force, and there was, indeed, a misuse of power and the creation of entitlement based on seniority, rather than production, in many cases. In the US President Reagan was the man who broke the back of the powerful air traffic controllers union during the 1980’s, which opened the door for more union-busting.
I’ve held both union and non-union jobs over the years. I can tell you from personal experience that the employers who were non-union broke many state and federal employment laws with impunity. And there was absolutely no recourse. I spent years working for companies and helping build them with my high work ethic and dedication to excellence. I stayed because, being a sole bread winner and single mother of two children I didn’t feel like I had any options – especially in “right to work” Utah. Those companies never paid into my retirement fund and they were not profit-sharing companies, either. When I was down-sized, there was no severance and no notice. Just a very abrupt good-bye.
My husband is a member of a union. He works in the oil and gas industry which is extremely dangerous. There are many non-union outfits that run their workers ragged, don’t pay into a central pension fund, create incredibly unsafe working conditions and don’t give a damn about their employees because there is always someone who will take an open seat on a job. They pay their workers less, in general, and if someone is hurt or killed on the job, there is little recourse unless they hire an attorney for themselves.
My husband’s union negotiates a fair wage (I think the pay is extremely low for the dangers involved and the hardships they go endure, but I’m only one person). They hold the employer to strict safety standards. If someone is hurt or killed on the job – and it happens despite safety precautions – the union’s attorney handles the case with no out-of-pocket for the employee or his/her family. All the hard work is rewarded with money each month safely saved for a retirement – something that is disappearing for most Americans as a terrible rate! That money is deducted from the union workers check – not taken from the employer. Yes, the wages are higher to cover the three to four dollars per hour taken out, but in the end, when social security is not an option, the union worker will still have some type of retirement income and won’t be destitute. We have decent health insurance, which is vital for me, as I have dealt with some significant health issues.
NEVER do we take these things for granted. My husband works his behind off and is the last person to feel entitled to anything. I know many of his crew members, and I can honestly say the same for them, as well.
Unions have gotten a bad reputation that was probably well-deserved in the latter part of last century because of the hard-line about constant having wage increases. However, unions are what helped create the middle class and without unions, that middle class is rapidly vanishing. Are there things that could be made better? yes, Has the collective bargaining caused work stoppages for employers in the past? yes. But every one of those union companies thrived with well-trained workers. When you hired a union worker you were assured that person had specific skills. That was the point.
Today, the media has made it seem like unions are what have caused the auto industry to fail. That is not true. Greed, entitlement, poor financial planning, arrogance and being out of touch with what the American consumer wants is what caused the failure of the auto industry. The CEO’s who were paid hundreds of millions of dollars no matter what are what helped break those companies. In fact, many of those CEO’s made more than all the worker’s salaries put together! Now they are trying to divest themselves of the pension plans of people who worked their entire lives for the companies and made those companies the mega corporations they are today! Where is the accountability and responsibility in that?
So there’s my “rant” about unions. They’ve been getting a bad rap that they don’t necessarily deserve these days. And without them, many employers will cut corners, treat their employees poorly and dispose of them like used kleenex.
Good Lord.
Very well put Michelle
Very well put Michelle
I totally agree with you about unions Michelle. I work in a union job. The company is trying to bust our union by making some jobs excluded from the union. Some people accept accept these jobs by having a carrot dangled in front them. Some of these people have been fired for no apparent reason. There is no job security in an excluded position.
Joan
Job security is an absolutely FALSE concept, and this is exactly the point. The belief that unions create “job security” regardless of merit or value created is exactly the problem!
Hi Michelle, thanks for your comments. There are exceptions to every rule or generalization. In general, unions have bloated and complicated the entire structure of commerce. Most union leaders are no different that politicians and the “fat cat” corporate CEOS – mostly looking out for themselves. You’re right that some specific industries need monitoring and protection, but I still don’t believe unions are the solution to that. I’ve been involved in companies with unions and watched how the union jumps in to defend members regardless of their accountability or culpability in a matter. It triggers the automatic “us vs. them” mentality, which doesn’t serve anyone. It’s not all the problem of unions, but they’re a contributor to redundancy and obsolescence.
Linked from the term “fat cat”, I think that some need to be that “small cat” that need to watch out for themselves too. As a solo person forging a future, I must understand that even though I’m housed well by the government with milk in my dish (a disability income and assistance with education funds) I too have to keep myself healthy in many more ways than just money. I make choices that are not generally accepted (like staying up all night working on study, creative endeavours, and communication), though that is my choice. I too note that (in accordance with the topic of accountability) I must face consequences for my actions (both positive and negative). I DO get pissed off with some people thinking that they have a right for me to help them when they are without, and in some cases I so help. I hope too (feedback welcome) that choosing WHO I help and HOW should be my choice and not something dictated on my through social pressure.
From the Success DNA indicator (thanks Greg) I found that my top five are Integrity, Stability, Loyalty, Self-Control, and Trust. From these, I take the following ideas (and while in typing process them (partly for my own benefit)) I must maintain strong internal standards for myself (as if I have those high standards for others I can easily be let down) to guide me. I will develop structures and patterns in my life (that are to help me build in multiple areas of growth). I will remain Loyal to myself and others (and aim to gain the Trust and loyalty of others too) and also focus on the Self-Control and discipline that I require from my own standards to follow the structure and development of my own (and business’) life.
If I’m on the right track with this, please let me know, and thanks for letting me process and express some of my own internal viewpoints.
Robert
Quite frankly, I do not agree with the tone of this article at all. You do not live in Europe, and so have no first hand experience of what is like to live there. People are rightfully angry because they have had to take the fall for an economic catastrophe caused by the our old friends the greedy bankers, who are interested in nothing more than pushing their own agenda. Our money
has been used to bail them out and we are taking it all on the chin while they get off scot free. Many honest hard working people have lost jobs and homes through no fault of their own, and the tone of this article is somewhat biased and sanctimonious. Unions have many roles to play and do not push the entitlement mentality that you say. In fact I think we need them now more than ever, since there are those who would exploit the current situation in any way they can.
Greg Habstrit GET REAL!! I am fast losing all respect for you. You have no idea what you are talking about. Paying more, and receiving less? Is this a service you would offer your customers? I Don’t think so! When the economy goes flat out broke it, will be a tsunami that no one can hide from.
Your credibility is slipping fast here, James. There is a moral decay in Europe that keeps people from moving forward in their lives. Many of the best and brightest come to the U.S., and Canada. Those with initiative always understand thet the state is not their provider. The highest form of government brings out the qualities of independence, cooperation, initiative, creative thinking and high energy. There are many, many people in the developed West who simply want to take it easy and ensure that their governmrent provides most of what they need in life, rather than determining for themselves what they can contribute to society. There will always be leeches at all levels of the economic spectrum. You are entitled to your opinions, but they are not backed up by the reality of human experience. We’re not here to have an easy life, paid for by others who actually produce something of value.
Whether you have respect for me is beside the point. The bottom line is your attitude simply reinforces my original point. To say that unions do not push entitlement mentality tells me you’re in a union, or just completely oblivious to what’s going on around you. And by the way, who voted in the politicians that you blame? That’s right, the people – including you.
I completely agree the economic system is broken and is going to continue to decay and eventually collapse at some point. But it’s laughable to suggest that it’s the poor people who are victims and not a part of the problem to begin with.
Monetary debt has always been the root cause of nearly all economic problems and cutting vital services and increasing taxes is just BULLSHIT! What we need is for a true Democratic Government to take responsibility for issuing debt free money, and ending the reign of private banks control of issuing money, I think then you’ll find that things improve all round. I suggest you watch “The Amercian Dream” and “Who is Afraid of the Big Bad Bank” on You Tube, then check out “Babylon’s Banksters” by JOseph P Farrell and “Money As Debt”, I think you’ll find many of the inherent problems well explained in these documentaries.
Sorry Greg, I flat out don’t agree with you – you have really got in wrong this time. It’s just too easy to say this kind of stuff but it comes over as condescending.
James, when you speak of others being condescending, you may want to look in the mirror. You’re entitled to your opinions. But the fact that you believe something doesn’t necessarily mean that its true. If you’re interested in Truth, perhaps begin by examining your own beliefs, and not berating others for theirs.
I totally agree. As I finish my Associates Degree, I see my instructors are not accountable. They receive a paycheck…day over. Going out into the big-bad-world of healthcare concerns me more than you know. How many people will die at the hands of the unaccountable?
I have been fired for being accountable. I have had superiors look-the-other-way when I step up & take responsibility for my actions or non-actions. I cannot make sense of it all.
This was such a timely blog…thanks Gregg, you are awesome!!
Like it.
I disagree with what you said about not deserving more pay because you’ve been there longer. Let me tell you why. When I was working in the operating room as a nurse, my salary was quite low. The next year the new grads were hired at a salary above mine, even though they knew little and I had a year’s experience and was a productive member of the medical team. The following year the new grads were paid even more. By then I was quite competent and contributing with two years experience, but my pay stagnated while the new people earned significantly more. Obviously we had no union to protect us.
Yes, some unions are bad, but there still is a need for them.
This is exactly the point though – in today’s economy, it’s not about who’s in a job longer. It’s about VALUE and what value you deliver. Why are the new people getting paid more? There’s a reason, and it has to do with the value they deliver. Newer education, more relevant knowledge on today’s technology – I don’t know what the reason is in your case. And I know you don’t want to hear this, and instead you’d prefer to have a union protect you. But the reality is that VALUE determines what you earn, more than it ever has. All a union does is protect and further the outdated concept of protectionist strategies that eventually break down. You cannot artificially construct a system involving money that does not respect the concept of value. Period.
Great article Greg! Just got home from my week studying and learning from you and Kourosh in San Diego and read it – thanks for sharing. I completely agree, everything begins with personal responsibility. It’s like Lucy Dakota says, “Taking personal responsibility gives you choice and choice gives you freedom.”
I totally agree with your points Greg. I’m also a believer that we all have choice and if a company is not treating their employees with respect or providing a safe environment for them to work in or fair compensation etc, the market should respond by not working for that company. The free market will determine where the balance lies. We shouldn’t need unions to do that. No one has to work for anyone. If people vote with their feet and walk out, that company is not viable. If you offer a commodity and thereby offer little more value than the guy next door, your compensation should reflect that rather than being a function of time served as in the union model.
Ultimately this arguement comes down to those who work hard and are constantly trying to improve their situations are always going to be at odds with those who are less motivated in life. It makes sense that those with lower ambition would want to support an entitlement position since it serves their interests.
Kudos to you for having the guts to bring this up!
Great blog post and thought provoking comments! Accountability/responsibility seems to have lost its colors over the years since I was young, but is making a comeback with a whole new mindset in business – be engaged, offer value, excellent customer service, deliver your promise, plus more! I see this in an increasing number of companies and am so happy to see the bar raised. Thank you for your dedication to excellence, this was a most inspirational read!
Greg, you’ve stepped into a dangerous arena, and I applaud your courage. I would like to suggest these points:
1. Blaming unions for business woes is like blaming a fever as the cause of illness. The union is a symptom of a much larger issue, one that could loosely be described as “us vs. them.” Every emotional response you’ve received is just another reaction, similar to yours, attempting to assign blame somewhere.
Our mission must at some point be to evolve beyond a “you-or-me” world. Finger-pointing will not get us there.
2. Wherever there is suffering, there is a lie somewhere. This is perhaps the ultimate challenge to the ego. “We are justified to be angry and offended when there is suffering, aren’t we?” Well, maybe.
And the ego loves to be justified.
3. I suck at accountability when left to my own devices.
If I tell only myself my goals, I do two things:
a. Make mostly small, very achievable and safe goals.
b. Make an occasional large goal, then proceed to convince myself I was stupid for making it. Then I go back to (a).
Hi Brian – I disagree on your illustration of union vis a vis a fever. I’m saying the individual is responsible. I’m not assigning blame or pointing fingers. It’s not us vs. them. It’s them vs. themselves. If it’s not self-evident that assigning blame to anyone other than yourself is fact, then I don’t know what is.
Gregg you re in danger of crossing the line into Tea Party ‘damn the poor’ territory. It is too easy to blame lack of accountability. People voted for welfare systems, laws that allow Unions to exist and even retirement packages etc.
Now unfortunately the false economy that those voters thought would pay for it has crumbled along with their savings and dreams of a comfortable old age. So those same voters will be holding accoutable the politicians who sold them down the river. They will then strive to rebuild their lives and entrepreneurs will lead the way, unfortunately there will always be scroungers who want something for nothing. They must be exposed for what they are, however don’t be quick to condem or discard those people born on their kness and need help to escape from a benefit system without which they would be living on the street.
The moment that you believe voting for a particular government, party or politician is going to be the answer to your problems, you’re doomed. And that’s the problem. The truth is, the only party worth voting for is the one out of power. I’m generally apolitical simply because the entire political structure is flawed and inherently conflicted. It doesn’t matter who you vote in – they will never act in the best interests of the people, because that’s not how the political system has been structured.
I suscribe to the belief that I’ll take care of myself, regardless of what government is in power. Because I know that it’s irrelevant, and no one is going to make me successful if I don’t take control of that.
All I ask is that people do what they truly are able to. Is that too much to ask? You seem to say no, yet then suggest that I’m where I am because I had several advantages. Frankly, if you don’t feel that I give a LOT of valuable information and training to people at no charge – in an interest to help give more than just “simplistic solutions” – then I’m not sure what you’re looking for. This isn’t about empathy – I am one of the most empathetic people you’ll ever meet, to people who deserve or earn it.
Sounds to me like you’re willing to let people off easily when you judge that they’re deserving of it. That’s unfortunate, and doesn’t change the cycle they’re trapped in. For most people, it’s not until they face the truth that they’re able to change. And when a coach doesn’t know the difference between sympathy and empathy, that’s where problems get worse.
Thanks for the courage Greg! After retiring from the military and trying to work with unions both on the management side (not allowed in the union) and a worker (invited into a union) I have seen both sides of this argument. There was a time and place for them and maybe in certain industries they may be keeping workers safer. It’s time in mankind’s evolution to phase them out.
When in the military there was no “us vs. them” mentality however when I got out and experienced this I was appalled since I was used to working together as a VERY fluid and efficient machine…yeah we had a lot of red tape in the military but when the rubber met the road it was amazing what kind of things were achieved…there was strife and struggle along the way but when it was said and done we got along and some of us forged the tightest friendships anyone could have.
We did not have a say so about our pay. Everyone knew what everyone else got paid and it didn’t matter. We served and provided THE HIGHEST VALUE to our customers, the people of the U.S. and the countries we defended. That value was freedom. Those of us that wanted higher pay and different work conditions (I know one comment was about the oil and gas industries conditions..well, I don’t need to compare to anyone what we were subject to..) merely TOOK CONTROL AND RESPONSIBILITY for their position in life and quietly left the service or retired…and many of them went on to form a large percentage of Fortune 500 companies… and we did not have a union represent us. We didn’t want one.
Great job in a lively conversation Greg. I couldn’t agree with your position more.
Great article. I agree with most of the accountability vs victim and the impact of unions paving the road for the mindset of “what can my country (environment) do for me”. I’ve played that game, and got the t-shirt.
What I will add is that each person is different, meaning that some may just be a hair away from crossing that line, a belief, a decision made long ago or even inherited from culture or family. What do you do with these people, count them out, label them as victims. How does that help you intention. What is your affirmation as a Trusted Authority.
Mine is “As a man among men and women, I acknowledge and support each ones development and offer the fundamentals for their progress.
I come from this conversation. Now my focus is on what can I do to help shift, and it may just need to be by one or two degrees and it starts with me.
Thanks Greg… like your form
A useless Crapped stuff in favour of Accountibility and Govt measures.
Really good Greg.
Thank you for the serious reminder.
100% responsibility with accountability.
Sincerely,
Louis
Hi Greg,
One more thought … or two.
I have to agree with what Michelle has said.
I too have worked on both sides, with and without a union and am self employed as well. If Unions aren’t the solution (and they do protect incompetence), what is the altenative?
Your own article has made a critical point,i.e. accountability. So without a union, without any recourse for the little guy what would you suggest as an alternative? No representation doesn’t work. I believe history has confirmed that.
Unfortunately, human nature continues to be the same in many places despite our progress. We still need the police,the lawyers and judges because people as you have said need accountability and we need justice.
That is, justice put simply as applying the golden rule.
Self regulating or self governing (a UK term) tends to be by the few and for the few. The British Banks (unregulated, accountability? virtually none)have caused a huge amount of debt and harm, all now being paid by the British tax payer.
Margret Thatcher was the one who broke the unions in the UK and needed to. However, she was also the one who said “There is no such thing as society”.
Not all democratic countries (let alone the undemocratic ones)have the standards and rules of law let alone the will to implement them that Canada has. My point is that if democracy’s fundamental ingrediant is representation, why would the work place be any different?
Have the unions failed ? Yes. Have they failed many times? Yes.
Are they inefficent? Yes. You can substitute the same questions for democracy as both are systems of representation.
I believe we need better, accountable unions and better, accountable employers.
I am a great admirer of yours and am grateful for things you have sent to me as well(ex. free Engage today 2009 video) but not everybody is of the high ethics as yourself. So, I would have to say your comments about the unions while very understandable, are in my opinion, rather blanketed.
Sincerely,
Louis Garson
100 years, or even 50 years ago, it was almost impossible to communicate what a company was doing and get any attention. In today’s world, it would be very difficult for a company to get away with many of the things that unions originally were intended to protect against. The internet has given power to the individual, and we see this all the time with people having the power in their hand now to create massive PR and awareness of a company that is doing wrong.
That’s why history is a poor measure or validation of the need for unions – because history doesn’t take into account that you can literally communicate with thousands of millions of people in short order. That was never possible before. And that’s why entire governments are now being overthrown due in large part to the opening of communications channels never before available to the individual.
I agree 100%!!!!!