I've had the great opportunity to work with managers and leaders over the years that run the full gamut of competency and ability. And one thing that I know about leading...it's difficult. People are challenging. It's much easier to pass the blame or pass the buck than to take charge and take responsibility.
But if there's one aspect that I believe holds leaders back from their full potential...it's that they don't understand that it's always the leader's fault.
If there is an employee or team member that is complacent or unhappy, it's your fault. If there are complaining guests, it's your fault. If you can't come in on budget, it's your fault. Do you see the theme here?
So...here's where we separate the great leaders from the mediocre ones...
Great leaders embrace the responsibility, and make it their mission to find opportunities in the problems.
Mediocre and bad leaders take the responsibility personally...or they get offended...or just simply ignore the problems.
Being a manager is appointed. But being a great leader is a decision to accept the challenge that "everything rises and falls on leadership."
Oh, and also an important side note...let your team take the glory...you take the criticism. And then watch what happens to the team that you lead!
God Bless,
-ABB