A common trait among successful leaders is their ability to deflect praise and accept blame. It’s human nature to want to take the credit for a job well done, and why wouldn’t you? However, what differentiates effective leaders is their discipline to ensure that due credit is given to those that earned it. I look at it as an opportunity to motivate team members to take on new challenges and enhance their own personal skills. What it does is send a message to the employees that their hard work is recognized and they will get credit for it, which ultimately benefits the company. Conversely, if we “screw up” and it comes time to take the blame, our employees know they will be supported and we’ll work together to improve the situation. I believe evidence of this is our competent, loyal workforce that has helped us achieve continued growth and success. Here are some ideas that have worked for me: The CEO often gets the credit when a company is doing well. But I can attest that most of the time the CEO does not deserve it. Sure, I work hard every day developing strategies and executing on plans to ensure our organization is successful. But it’s the employees who execute those strategies that deserve to be recognized. Successes are usually achieved collaboratively and leaders are always better off giving the credit to those that have earned it.
Topics: Leadership