Where's The Ownership ?

In any form of communication, there are responsibilities for both the sender of the message and the receiver of the message.  Breakdowns can occur on either end of that relationship, but most often, it seems that it is the receiver who is not fulfilling their part of the obligation.

If you as a receiver of a message, misunderstand something, why is it someone else's fault?  When you are confused by a message from someone, why don't you just ask more questions to clarify, instead of just waiting for there to be trouble later?

This is especially frustrating when someone becomes an adult and still exhibits these tendencies.  They point the finger of blame at other people when it is actually their own inability to take responsibility for their poor listening skills or lack of focus during important conversations.

I worry that many in the coming generation(s) will learn from the example of poor parents and leaders, who support this kind of blaming others whenever possible approach.  There is real peace and humility in being able to admit your own opportunities.  It is cleansing to own your mistakes or inabilities and makes the world a better place when you are willing to ask for help from others in order to improve.

There does not need to be so much fear around admitting that we were wrong.  In most cases, the error is something trivial that will quickly be forgotten.  But the lessons learned from it will last a lifetime or more.  The only real issue is when you keep making the same mistake with no improvement.  I have found that most people are quick to forgive and eager to help me improve when I admit my mistakes and sincerely ask for them to help me.

Song Of The Day:
Today's tune is presented with intent to sound sarcastic, because it should matter to everyone involved when there is miscommunication or a lack of ownership.  But "It Don't Matter" by Donovan Frankenreiter is a relaxing tune about letting things go if they aren't important.  Just make sure not to avoid the hard truths when one error turns into a pattern of poor behavior.

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