Bad Times? Don’t Blame!

Management Tip of the Day :: April 15, 2009 :: HarvardBusiness.org

It's nice to see HBR, for once, spreading the message of Dr. Deming. If you have tough financial circumstances in your company, one of their four tips includes:

Don't blame. While certain senior managers may be more culpable than others, singling out individuals does not instill faith. Instead of pointing fingers, honestly address the situation and describe a plan of action.

Blame and finger pointing rarely helps. It certainly does not create the team atmosphere that would be required to successfully navigate tough times. Weak leaders blame. Strong effective leaders focus on problems and root causes… focusing on action and improvement rather than blaming or eliminating the “at fault” individual.

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Mark Graban

Mark Graban is an internationally-recognized consultant, author, and professional speaker who has worked in healthcare, manufacturing, and startups. His latest book is Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More. He is author of the Shingo Award-winning books Lean Hospitals and Healthcare Kaizen, as well as The Executive Guide to Healthcare Kaizen. He also published the anthology Practicing Lean that benefits the Louise H. Batz Patient Safety Foundation, where Mark is a board member. Mark is also a Senior Advisor to the technology company KaiNexus.

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