Interaction and Responsibility
The word responsibility meaning exactly what it sounds like, response-ability. When you are given a responsibility, you are given choices within certain boundaries. Responsibility can lead to friction with others, and interactions with others are usually required for you to fulfill your responsibility.
Suppose you work for a company that puts you ‘in charge’ of office supplies. You may be ordering more supplies when necessary, have an expense budget, and a key to the supply closet. You may also be asked to track and manage usage, pilfering, and waste. You have access to funding, keys, computer software passwords, etc.
You have more choices than others in controlling supplies! That means more response-ability!
Define Responsibility
When someone gives you responsibility, they are often giving you the job of negotiating or setting limits within the bounds of the job. It is recommended that you carefully define these responsibilities and the procedures that may be involved when you use your choices.
Define Power
Understanding what power you have to defend a boundary, or begin a negotiation that helps you to take the responsibility. Remember you can't negotiate or limit set without the power to issue consequences.
For Example:
I was helping to train a security detail for a large outdoor event I ran into a lone security worker patrolling a VIP parking lot. “What’s the job?” I asked.
He said “they told me that I cannot let any cars in or out of this lot after 8 PM.” I noticed that he was there by himself, no partner, no radio, no back-up. I said “Yeah? Well that’s my Lexus over there (it was not really mine!) and it’s 9:45 and I’m going to drive it out right now! How are you going to stop me?”
He stared at me for a moment and shrugged his shoulders.
I explained that if your supervisors give you a responsibility and want you to negotiate or set a limit, you are allowed to ask them what your options are and what power you have to enforce that limit or meet that responsibility.
Sometimes managers may have no trouble assigning responsibilities, but they may forget to assign the power or options you'll need to meet these directives.
When you are directed to assume a responsibility, be sure that you clearly understand your options and have the power needed to successfully assume the responsibility. Ask for it!
