Take Responsibility

There are four right answers to most questions (notice the courtesy):
1. Yes sir.
2. No ma’am.
3. I don’t know sir but I’ll find out.
4. No excuse ma’am.

These answers are meant for the person who responds to take responsibility for her or his actions. Notice that numbers 1 and 2 do NOT have a BUT associated with them. There is no, “Yes…but I have a good excuse.” Or “No…but you see it was like this.” When asked a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question answer yes or no.

If you don’t know the answer as in number 3, say so. Then go find the answer and come back to the person who asked the question with the correct answer. Do not make one up or guess – neither is a correct answer and only taints your future actions and responses.

Number 4 is critical – never make an excuse for your behavior, words or actions. If you are asked why something happened; state the facts; do not begin to make excuses about why something didn’t work. It is in the statement of process of how something occurred that we can identify where corrective actions need to be implemented. MAKE NO EXCUSES.

Are you listening Washington? Character is what you do when no one is watching.