The Buck Stops Here

Years ago I was at a convention where author Andy Andrews was speaking. I bought a couple of his books at the merchandise table and have been a fan ever since. One year for Christmas, my step kids got The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success by Andy in their stockings. I am sure they thought this was a crazy gift, but I liked what he said and how he said it. His book explores seven decisions that lead to a successful life.

The first decision is to acknowledge The Buck Stops Here.

This is also the famous quote Harry Truman had on his desk. As leaders, we think we have hard jobs but think about Truman. He had to clean up World War II and follow a beloved President that was the only person ever elected to three terms in the White House. He had to be tough and hard-nosed to do the job. Truman said, “I don’t give them hell, I just tell the truth and they think it’s hell.” 

I am not advocating being hard-nosed but taking responsibility for your actions and admitting when you have messed is an important trait of a leader. To quote from the Traveler’s Gift, "The words it is not my fault should never again come from your mouth. The words it is not my fault have been symbolically written on the gravestones of unsuccessful people ever since Eve took her first bite of the apple." Being able to be vulnerable enough to take the blame but tough enough to keep going are the defining traits of a great leader. How you act when the chips are down will cement your reputation with your team and peers.

At ICAHN Professional Education Services, we are offering many leadership and supervisor classes in 2022. We have our ongoing Rural Health Fellowship, have launched a new Physicians Leadership class and are offering our Nurse Preceptor Academy in March. Here is the thing, no matter what your job title we all lead by our actions. Whether we are the head of the team or just one of many members, our actions have consequences. We must be accountable for our actions and not blame or make excuses when things go wrong.

I encourage you to join us in one of our leadership programs, including our upcoming Nurse Preceptor Academy. Exploring human relationships is at the heart of any leadership course and it can be fascinating to work through those relationships. Andy Andrews said, “In a world that has become overly obsessed with feelings, I am here today to tell you this: Nobody cares how you feel they only care how you act.” Like Truman, stand tall, and take responsibility.