Good Leaders Take Blame, Give Credit ???

This is an article, published in the Straits Times (recruit section) on 6 April.

The title caught my eyes - the first reaction was, "What??? Is that what's expected of a Leader? Has it got something to do with "Servant" leadership?"

The story cited that while one junior officer own up to his direct supervisor that he had brought the company's computer system down, which was a very serious and led to losses. The supervisor took full responsibility instead of owing the junior officer up." Of course, the key comes from what she said at the end of the story:

• "Don't do that again."
• " I think you are going to remember the importance of backup. And we will have a different kind of conversation."
• "But you came in and owned up to your mistake. A lot of people don't do that. I respect that."

Yes, the leader of the team has been entrusted with a job to do, to lead the team to work towards achieving the goal of the organisation. Whatever outcomes, good or bad, the leader of the team is the first to answer, the big boss will go to (after?) this person. He is the conductor of the orchestra (the team). Of course, something unsaid and understood, everybody plays a part. When the boss looks good, the team looks good. Of course, when things don't turn out well, both look equally bad... However, no matter what, it's the conductor who will get the hit first and hardest. This applies everywhere... be it in school or now at HQ. So, what SC has been emphasizing is nothing new.

The leader is the one who 'outsource' the tasks to the members of the team. He delegates the job. Mind you, delegate does not mean just ask the person to do the job. It does not mean to 'empower' the person to do the job and hands-off!

Delegation comes with

• shared responsibility
• monitoring and when necessary, timely intervention
• involvement
• mentoring and coaching, when necessary
• 有福同享， 有难同当。

Delegation means team work and capacity building (to both the leader and the member). So, these are expectations of the leaders. On the other hand, it also does not mean the leader will 'cover' the errors made by his team members. The leader will also have to assess, the amount of involvement and guidance made available to the members. Yes, review.

Of course, being forgiving should not be taken for granted. Always remember that, and try to apply that in the course of work, "Once is an accident (give it the benefit of doubt). Twice is a coincidence. But thrice is a pattern!". So, not too many chances. Be cautious of how much deposits we have in the emotional (trust) bank account.

Through the story, any virtue that surfaced strongly is ownership of error. It takes courage to admit or confess, but honesty is the best policy.

Ironically, beside the article was a comic strip where a ship captain told a distressed damsel: "Of course, I'll take all the blame. I'm the captain. But I'll appreciate it if you will let go of me."

I guess, it's alright for him to shoulder it once, but don't take for granted. If you know thyself well that you don't fit the job, please let go... otherwise, the team will sink together. 别拖累大家！