Once You’ve Done Your Part, You’ll Rest Easy
You care about
others! You want to help and serve others! You know that if you help others
achieve what they want to achieve then you in turn will be rewarded—both in
tangible and intangible ways. If that’s you, then your desire to help others
might sometimes cause you to feel stressed out, worried and frustrated because
those you’re attempting to help don’t always follow your advice. They often resist
doing the things you know they should be doing for their own good.
The solution is to adopt
the attitude and mindset of being “responsible
to” not “for.” There’s a huge
difference between those two responsibilities!
Here’s an example: If
you’re the parent of a young child, you’re responsible both “to” and “for.” That’s right. You’re responsible “to” provide your little one with food, clothing, shelter, love and
a safe environment. You’re also responsible “for” their actions and behaviors until they grow up. But once they’ve
grown up, the “for” goes away and
only the “to” remains.
My wife Judy and I
are the parents of two wonderful daughters. They’re married women with children
of their own. We’re not responsible “for”
them anymore! However, the responsible “to”
them is still there and will always be there! We are responsible “to” give them love and encouragement, and
our advice and honest input when asked for it. But what they do with that input
is their
responsibility, not ours. That way we feel comfortable, knowing we did our
part—the responsible “to” part.
You can too, both
in your personal and professional life. For example, in your business career,
here are some things you’d be responsible to be doing:
- Being prepared
- Telling the truth
- Putting your customer first
- Following through
- Being on time
- Being a team player
- Bringing passion & enthusiasm
- Expressing gratitude
OK, you get the
point. There are lots more we can name:
In Selling, as the sales
professional, you’re responsible “to”
your customer—to sell what your prospect/customer needs or wants at a fair
price and “to” provide follow-up
service after the sale. Yes, you show value, you close and you ask for the
decision…but you’re not responsible “for”
that decision—they are!
In Leadership, as the leader,
you’re responsible “to” your team—to
provide the tools, equipment and training they need to get their job done
safely and efficiently. You’re responsible “to”
reward them, praise them and encourage them. But you’re not responsible “for” their happiness, their sense of
accomplishment or their job satisfaction—they are!
In Speaking, as the presenter,
you’re responsible “to” your
audience—responsible “to” be
prepared, energized, focused on their needs, with a message that can help them.
But you’re not responsible “for” how
your audience members put those ideas into action!
Decide now to put more
of your effort and energy into the responsible “to” portion and less into the “for.”
You’ll sleep better at night and enjoy
life so much more.
I was responsible “to” share this timeless truth with you,
and now that I’ve done my part, you’re responsible “for” its implementation in your life and your career!
MAKE it a great day!
