Great Leaders Give Credit and Take Responsibility

When the CEO of BP, Tony Hayward, got on camera with a journalist to discuss their most recent and ground-breaking oil spill, he didn’t anticipate making the news for years to come. On May 30th, 2010, Tony took to the camera after 11 men lost their lives in the massive explosion and said, “We’re sorry for the massive disruption it’s caused to their lives. There’s no one who wants this thing over more than I do. You know, I’d like my life back. So there’s no one who wants this thing done more than I do, and we are doing everything …” No one heard the rest of what he said because the words “I’d like my life back” were still ringing in their ears.

This one comment marked him for quite some time. He didn’t show empathy for all those fishermen and landowners who were facing large economic setbacks due to the spill. He didn’t show concern for the animals that were dying because of the oil either. He didn’t show deep sadness for the families who lost fathers and sons, and brothers. He only showed concern for himself and what was a large inconvenience for him. He didn’t take responsibility for the problem. We talked about that in chapter one. He simply stated, “I’d like to get my life back.” Leaders who lack empathy lack leadership. To truly lead, you have to truly care. You have to take full responsibility for when something goes truly wrong. What was in his heart came out of his mouth. He was simply so annoyed that he had to take the time to deal with this, and that focus on self was seen by the entire world.

It’s amazing the damage that can take place when a leader is selfish instead of self-aware. This one comment would be tweeted and retweeted over and over for weeks to come. I saw this happen live, and I remember thinking the second I heard it, “Oh buddy, not a good idea to say that!” Not only did his reputation suffer, but the reputation of BP suffered. He wasn’t self-aware. Even though he was internally frustrated for having to leave his office, board a plane and deal with the situation, he could’ve taken a moment to realize that thousands of people were affected by this problem and that this was an opportunity to show leadership and empathy. He didn’t truly care about the family members who lost loved ones, and it showed in his words.

You will always communicate your values through the words you use. As a leader, your words carry a lot of weight. Choose them carefully. Let God birth in you a deep concern for those you lead, a deep care for everyone you encounter, including those on your team and those who are affected by the program or products of your organization. This is true whether you are a pastor or a business owner, or chairman of the board.

If you only care about the financial bottom line, it will show in the words you use and and in time, your role will be given to someone else. People don’t want to just win, they want to be cared for and loved, valued and listened to, and they deserve that. If they’re hurting or simply concerned, listen and listen well. This is a vital part of leading VIPs.

If you are a pastor, you are not just preparing for Sunday’s sermon and service. You’re finding ways to collaborate with and celebrate and empathize with your team throughout the week!

If you are a business owner or in a leadership position in the company, consider this: you’re not just ensuring the product gets to the customer on time and in order. You’re ensuring that the team sending the product feels heard, cared for, celebrated, etc.

Great leaders know they are not the hero. If you are the hero, they are not. Make others the hero, not the one in the mirror. Even if you are making a sacrifice, realize that they are too. Sure, you’re making great sacrifices, most of which your team may never know. But poor leaders talk about their sacrifices. Great leaders talk about the sacrifices of others and their efforts. Great leaders inspire change through genuine humility and a desire to serve. When something does go awry (and at some point, trust me, something will) they own it. Great leaders own it!

I recently heard of a pastor who blurted out in frustration in a staff meeting “I didn’t give up my role at ______________ to deal with this!” In that one moment, he lost so much credibility with his team. Great leaders give credit and take responsibility.

*This is an excerpt from my upcoming book, Leverage Leadership.