Loss of Accountability

"The Buck Stops Here" ~ sign on President Truman's desk

When I was a child, adults took responsibility for their actions.  When I was a new manager, I realized that I was responsible for the organizations results within a month of taking over.  I wasn't going to be able to blame the lack of positive results on my predecessor, no matter how bad the situation I inherited.

Nowadays, the norm is to blame poor results on either one's predecessor or the prior situation, especially if the inherited state of affairs is bad.  Leaders don't seem to take personal responsibility anymore. The latest is Jon Corzine: MF Global Was "Not My Fault' reports that Mr. Corzine "inherited a firm doomed by the risks his predecessors took."     I guess I shouldn't be surprised.  After all, that seems to be seems to be a common excuse in today's world.  If someone can't solve a problem, then it's the predecessor fault.  In some cases, the predecessor is the reason even after almost three years.

Sorry, I just can't  agree.  If someone takes the position, he also takes both  the credit and the blame for the results.  Hopefully, accountability is something we'll be able to teach our daughter to have.

For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.

This is not financial or parenting advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

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