Explanation of how having a reputation of being responsible pays. Also refer to irresponsible, obligations, maturity, blame, supervision, esteem, worth, promotion, Truman, benefits, character, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Being Responsible Shows Character

by Ron Kurtus (18 April 2001)

A person who does as promised can be considered as reliable. Reliability is an admirable characteristic. People don't like to deal with those who are unreliable. They'd rather give their business and rewards to the person they can count on. Also, the reliable person feels good knowing that he or she is trusted.

Questions you may have are:

• What does it mean to be responsible?
• What is being irresponsible?
• How does being responsible pay?

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.

Being responsible

A responsible person is one who is able to act without guidance or supervision, because he or she is accountable and answerable for his or her behavior. Such a person can be trusted or depended upon to do things on his or her own.

Such a person will follow though on obligations. Being a responsible person means you have good character.

Example of submarine accident

In March 2001, a U.S. Navy submarine accidentally rammed a Japanese boat, resulting in the death of 9 passengers. Although the accident was a result of the errors of some of the submarine crewmembers, the commander of the sub took full responsibility for the accident.

He could have blamed others, but he had the character to say that he was in charge of the submarine and thus was responsible for what happened.

Being irresponsible

People who are irresponsible often go against the rules--often by impulse--without thinking are caring of the possible consequences.

Small children

Small children are often irresponsible. They need someone to watch over them, otherwise they may do things that they shouldn't do. The reason is because they are immature and often controlled by impulses.

Adult worker

When an adult worker constantly need someone to watch over him, or he will goof-off, not work at all or do the wrong thing, that worker is not considered capable of responsibility.

Teen

A teen that holds an out-of-control party at her home when her parents are gone is considered irresponsible. She uses poor judgment, goes against her parents' wishes and can't be trusted to be left home alone.

Benefits of being responsible

A person who has a reputation of being responsible is trusted to do things on his or her own, without supervision. Being trusted that way is certainly a good feeling.

Self-esteem

Children and adults like to feel they are capable of doing things on their own. Such a feeling increases their self-esteem and self-worth.

Trust leads to promotions

A worker who is trusted can soon get assignments of greater responsibility, which will then lead to raises and promotions.

A business that has a reputation of being responsible will gain leadership in its field.

Negative side to being responsible

Former U.S. President Harry S Truman was known to say, "The buck stops here." That meant that workers under him may "pass the buck" or not take responsibility, but he could not, because he has the ultimate responsibility in running the Country.

The negative side of being considered responsible is that if something goes wrong, that person gets the blame. It takes great character to accept the blame.

Admirable trait

Being responsible and taking responsibility for the things that may go wrong is an admirable character trait. We all dislike dealing with people who are irresponsible or who blame others. So being responsible is a character trait for which we should strive. You get a good reputation. You also feel good about yourself by having such character.

In conclusion

A person with a reputation of being responsible is trusted to take on difficult tasks. He or she will not blame others for any problems. Instead, the person will have the character to take full responsibility. With the risk come the rewards of self-worth and possible raises and promotions at work.

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Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. Is taking responsibility risky?

2. If a worker saw a hazard but didn't bother to report it, would he be considered irresponsible?

3. Who should you blame, if you make a mistake or cause a problem?

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in understanding Character. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.

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Being Responsible Shows Character