Taking Responsibility

In reading about the rise and fall of WeWork’s CEO Adam Neumann, I’m reminded of a newspaper series that I used to read when I was young. My father subscribed to Investor’s Business Daily (IBD), at the time a weekly newsprint publication, that’s still in existence although digital is the preferred method of delivery these days. There was a section that dealt with 10 critical traits to being successful. There were no real surprises on the list that included things like think positive, be persistent and work hard, take action, and so forth. It’s a thorough list that touches upon on the critical areas of focus for any personal or business well-being, although in today’s world of short attention spans, probably would be considered a bit too long. Each week one of IBD’s 10 Secrets of Success was highlighted with an article that emphasized the importance of that particular trait. I always looked forward to the new week’s example, hoping for some inspiration as I pondered what to do with my life.

Interestingly, it was the 10th, and last trait that has stuck with me all these years later. I didn’t get the impression that the publication viewed it any less than the others, in fact quite the opposite. It simply read, “Be Honest and Dependable, Take Responsibility” with a description (if you could call it that) which was succinct and to the point, “Otherwise Numbers 1-9 won’t matter.” I don’t know why, but I would read that line over and over, “Otherwise Numbers 1-9 won’t matter.” Honesty, Dependability, Responsibility – foundational traits to provide you the best chances of success in life and business. Not sexy; not likely to be part of today’s key Google adwords; nor likely to be trending on Twitter, but they truly are bedrock characteristics in any successful venture.

If you can’t be honest with yourself and others, then what are we to believe of you, how do we trust you? If you aren’t dependable or are unwilling (which is different than unable) to handle your part, then how can we have confidence that you will be there when you are most needed? If you can’t take responsibility for your own actions, then who will? An organization, especially at the upper levels of management, needs to support and adhere to these characteristics as a basic part of doing business, otherwise there’s a good chance that entity will most likely not succeed. And no fancy tag line, PR gambit or immense budget will be able to overcome the character flaws embedded within.

To paraphrase IBD, “Be Honest and Dependable, Take Responsibility: Otherwise the rest won’t matter.”