If you want to be an influential leader, one of the first things you have to do is to take responsibility and do your part in whatever leadership position you are at the moment.
In my work with leaders, I note with interest that many people are watching from the sidelines how others perform, instead of stepping up to the plate and taking responsibility. They might even be part of the top management in a company, and yet bemoaning that there is not enough direction, or that the leadership is weak.
Coming originally from Cuba I’m sure it’s no surprise that I am a baseball fan. In baseball, you don’t have a way to contribute to the game if you are on the bench or watching from the sidelines. When you step up to the plate and face the pitcher, is when you can make things happen.
There are many baseball heroes, but few are as well-known and revered as Babe Ruth. In October 1932, Babe Ruth and his team, the New York Yankees, faced the Chicago Cubs in Game Three of the World Series at Chicago’s Wrigley Field. It was toward the end of his career and at the time Ruth was suffering from a batting slump.
At the halfway mark, Ruth was up to bat. Standing at home plate, and with two strikes on him, the crowd began to boo him. With negativity emanating all around him, the odds seemed to favor the pitcher. However, when the ball was pitched, Ruth not only hit the ball, but he hit it with such force that it ended up becoming one of the longest home runs ever made at Wrigley Field.
After the game, a reporter went up to The Babe and asked him what was going on in his mind at that moment when he was waiting for the ball. Ruth replied that he was thinking about what he always thinks about when he steps up to the plate – of “just hittin’ that ball”. What a great example of stepping up to the plate!
What does it mean to step up to the plate?
1. Keep your eye on the ball! Leaders face the challenge of a constant barrage of distractions and calls for their attention. Don’t let yourself be distracted. Focus on what is most important! Develop a persistent focus towards what needs to be achieve, instead of simply responding to whatever is happening around you. It’s the only way to fulfill the overall objectives and mission of the organization.
2. When you strike out, don't blame the umpire! Accept responsibility for your failures. Don’t blame someone or something else. If you accept responsibility, you can change the result. Your behavior is the only thing under your control. Changing the result is as simple—or as hard—as changing your behavior. As Babe Ruth used to say:
“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.” – Babe Ruth
Therefore, ask yourself: What is it about my leadership that is producing these outcomes? How can I change it?
3. Swing hard! Give it your best. Leadership skills and behaviors must be learned, practiced, and mastered. No matter in which stage of your career you are, you owe it to yourself and your organization to keep growing. Look for leadership development opportunities. Find a mentor. Read. Go to conferences. Engage an executive coach to help you progress toward your goals. Find innovative ways to confront challenges.
In every situation, big or small, give your best. Get into the game!
Don't give up just because it's difficult, give it your best.
If you give your best effort, you could hit a home run!
Remember. . .
Taking responsibility might not be popular, but it’s the first requirement for leadership. It’s also good for building your character. Leadership is not about titles, it's about behaviors. If you live your values, taking responsibility for the organization and its people, you’ll have peace of mind, respect, admiration and the ability to take life’s curve balls and convert them into home runs.
Share your thoughts
What are you doing to take responsibility for outcomes?
What story of a leader stepping up to the plate inspires you?
I would love to know what you think, so please share your thoughts with your fellow readers and myself.
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Photos by: dcJohn and BrentDPayne