“Every time he opens his mouth he puts his foot in it” Quite a common expression of late?

I listen on a daily basis to some of the most outlandish statements being made by people who shall for the purpose of this article we will not refer to personally. “If the cap fits wear it”. In addition to hearing such outlandish statement we often read similar statements in the press, magazines and on web sites.

When challenged or asked for an explanation the response invariably is “I have been misquoted” or “what I said was taken out of context”. The latest being “My English is not good”.

None of these are acceptable comments from any person in a position of responsibility whether a manager, a public spokesperson or a politician.

Responsibility at all times includes accountability. As managers, or others in “leadership” positions, we have an obligation to face up to our responsibility and the inevitable accountability. This means we accept responsibility for our every action and at no time can we claim ignorance, lack of experience or a lack of knowledge. For every action there will be a reaction – either positive or negative.

Negative reactions normally result from inappropriate actions, statements or failure to ensure we are familiar with the facts before making statements or taking some form of action.

A manager who decides on the “spur of the moment” to terminate an employee without taking the necessary disciplinary action is doing so without establishing the facts related to the misdemeanour or offence.

The reason for a disciplinary hearing is to establish facts and allow an employee an opportunity of stating his/her case based also on fact. Based on the facts presented the chairperson of the hearing can make a decision again based on fact.

Fact – is an integral part of everything we do in life or in business. Let me give you another example

A manager at the end of the year considers a potential expense budget for the next year. This must be considered based on factual knowledge of the previous year’s expenses.

The manager will make an assessment of potential expenses for the coming year and based on the facts available may decide to allow for and increase in the next year. This is not a “thumb suck” exercise – it is a factual exercise.

Should the manager “UNDERSPEND” or alternatively “OVERSPEND” he/she must be held accountable. The fact is the manager failed to submit an accurate budget and must be held accountable. The budget was his/her responsibility.

When called to account there will be no point in claiming ignorance, lack of ability or a lack of knowledge. In accepting the position the manager accepted the responsibility and accountability.

Fact is established immediately following an action, reaction, communication or response. What I say or do at a particular point in time cannot be undone. It happened, it occurred or it was stated. These are all factual statements.

The actions we take and the responses we give or the statements we make as managers or leaders become fact once the event has occurred.

If I speak to an employee and say “you are useless” I must be able to support this statement with facts or I am in serious trouble. If I say, “I kill cockroaches and John is cockroach” then by implication I am saying I could kill John. This may not be what I intended or what I meant but the fact is I said it. I can be called to account and must be able to explain my reasoning and my action. I cannot now pretend I did not mean it, or my statement was taken out of context etc.

As managers, leaders or simply individuals, we have an obligation to consider facts. Determine our actions based on fact. Take action bearing the facts in mind and above all be prepared to accept responsibility and the accompanying accountability

Des Squire – Applied Management Studies International

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