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Taking Responsibility for Mistakes - On the Field, and Off
September 21, 2008

Wildcats know they have room to improve -- chicagotribune.com

Those of you who know me recognize me as a diehard Northwestern Wildcats fan. Yes, it's often a tortured existence.

Our football team is 3-0. That's nothing to get too excited about, but I do like hearing about the progress the team is making in all regards -- including organizational dynamics. Yes, that and leadership apply in sports.

Northwestern is getting there by not just reveling in its sacks and touchdowns but acknowledging its flaws.

That's the key for any "Lean" organization -- being able to admit mistakes and problems. That's the first step in process improvement. I'm just hoping Northwestern has fewer and fewer flaws to recognize each game...

"Guys came over to the sideline to take responsibility for missed tackles or not closing their gaps," [Coach Pat Fitzgerald] said. "When you've got that, you have an opportunity to get it fixed. I think our program has a lot of trust."

Responsibility. That's so much better than finger pointing and blaming. A leader (in this case, a head coach) can set the tone for what behavior they want in the organization.

What are you doing to set that tone in your organization?

GO CATS!

Posted by Mark Graban on September 21, 2008 | Comments (0)