Quit The Blame Game

Tyler Reagin

I recently heard Andy Stanley talk about people who blame never create change.

You know exactly what he’s talking about. Actually, someone came to mind as soon as you read that last sentence. Maybe it’s someone you work with. Maybe family comes to mind. Maybe it’s you.  

Whoever it is…we all know that blaming doesn’t get us anywhere. 

For the past year, we (Catalyst) have been talking about being A Community of Change Makers. If we take the statement above seriously, then we can conclude that we will never be that Community if we only blame. Have you ever worked with someone who never takes responsibility for their own actions, but choose to always tell you the other people that are to blame for the problem?  I have. It’s one of the most unattractive characteristics in a team member.  

So I have one thought, and it’s simple.

What if you as a leader choose to provide solutions, not just point out the problems? Tweet: What if you as a leader choose to provide solutions, not just point out the problems?  @tylerreagin <a href=http://ctt.ec/bzifX+" src="http://clicktotweet.com/img/bg-twitter.png" />

Imagine a team where the members of the team own their actions and developed solutions BEFORE pointing out everyone else’s contribution to the problem. I’d sign up for that team today.  

There’s something about leaders who fight for change by not placing blame, but stewarding the influence they DO have to create positive change. What if we decided to quit the blame game, and instead chose to dig in our heels and do the hard work of creating change? If we made that decision together, who knows what this Community of Change Makers could be known for?

Tyler Reagin is the Executive Director of Catalyst and has made the decision to not play the blame game. To challenge him to another game (i.e. Monopoly, Candyland, or Shoots & Ladders) follow him on Twitter.

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