Always Assume The Problem Is You

I once heard a dialogue that went something like this: "I hope that everything bad that happens in my life is my fault." When asked why someone would say this, the answer was particularly refreshing: "Because then, it means that I can do something about it." I feel that sometimes, people have a difficult time admitting their own faults in things that go on in their life, work, and even relationships.

Self-reflection is particularly important when you work with others. It’s not about self-punishment, but about trying to understand yourself, understand others, and realizing how to achieve better outcomes.

Sometimes people don't deliver what you expected, sometimes people don't perform as they should, sometimes a client leaves your company, and sometimes you feel like you have "bad luck." When outcomes are not what you expected, dig deep. Before dismissing them as things beyond your control, try to understand at what point you could have acted differently and how. Maybe the communication was not clear enough, maybe your expectations were not clear, maybe there were misinterpretations, maybe you didn't ask the right questions, maybe you expected things from someone that were beyond their reach or capacity, or maybe you didn't pay enough attention. And sometimes, you might just not have acted in the best way possible.

Especially as a leader, recognize that ultimate responsibility rests with you. This doesn’t mean micromanaging, but accepting accountability for your team’s performance. When issues arise, analyze what you could have done to prevent them.

Assuming the problem is you is a growth tool. It promotes a proactive approach to problem-solving, where you constantly seek to improve methods and strategies. Understanding your role in the challenges that you find along the way will help you achieve the outcomes you want.