“It is wrong and immoral to seek to escape the consequences of one’s acts.”
Mahatma Gandhi
When was the last time you owned the fallout from a decision that didn’t go your way? Maybe a better question is: when was the last you you didn’t own the fallout from a decision that didn’t go your way?
As leaders, it’s easy to embrace the wins—the projects that succeed, the teams that excel, the decisions that pay off. However, true leadership shows up in the challenging moments when the outcome doesn’t match the intent. Leadership is ownership.
We all make mistakes, but how we handle them defines our integrity. Owning your choices means owning the consequences, both good and bad. It’s not just about accountability; it’s about character. You can’t pick and choose when to lead. If you want the rewards of success, you must also bear the weight of failure.
Take a moment today to reflect: Is there a decision or action you’ve been avoiding responsibility for? What would it look like to step forward and take ownership?
Leaders don’t run from consequences, they face them head-on. Integrity demands it.
