The Finest Trait

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"A man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else." ~ John Burroughs.

For many years I've observed men as they barter their way through business, battle, and boardrooms and have come to the conclusion that there's one trait that stands head and shoulders above all others.

Accountability - the way some accept it and others avoid it is what separates those who earn respect over those who deserve derision.

During interviews, one on ones, personal interactions or fleeting acquaintances the man who sits across the desk , or crosses our path, determines who he is, in my mind, with a simple response:

Does he deflect or embrace accountability? Does he make excuses? There are some that we need to ask to stand up - Just to see if they really have a spine. ~ Some wobble like jelly, pointing fingers and pitching reasons. They boast of successes and blame for failures.

Then there are some, a rare few, who really inspire us, with a willingness to embrace responsibility and accountability for what they do with their lives. They never make excuses - Never give reasons or point fingers. They accept accountability for who they are, what they've done, what they do, and what they are going to do . And whatever the outcome may be - They exemplify a phrase with ten simple words.

"If it is to be - It is up to me." 

Accountability.